Facts about the movie...

What's it about? In an extremely rare decision, the Catholic Church officially recognized the demonic possession of a 19 year-old college freshman. Told in terrifying flashbacks, "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" chronicles the haunting trial of the priest accused of negligence resulting in the death of the young girl believed to be possessed. Inspired by true events, the film stars Laura Linney as the lawyer who takes on the task of defending the priest (Tom Wilkinson) who performed the controversial exorcism.

"Demons exist whether you believe in them or not," says the priest at the center of "The Exorcism of Emily Rose." Yes, and you could also say that demons do not exist whether you believe in them or not, because belief by definition stands outside of proof. If you can prove it, you don't need to believe it.

Such truths are at the center of this intriguing and perplexing movie, which is based on the true story of a priest who was accused of murder after a teenage girl died during an exorcism. If the priest is correct and the girl was possessed by a demon, he is innocent. If the authorities called by the prosecution are correct, she died of psychotic epileptic disorder, and the priest created complications leading to her death. If, on the other hand, exorcism theory is correct, drugs given to the girl to treat her "disorder" made her immune to exorcism and led to her death.

The movie is told through flashbacks from a courtroom, where Father Moore (Tom Wilkinson) is on trial. He has been offered a deal (plead guilty to reckless endangerment and do six years of a 12-year sentence), but he refuses it: "I don't care about my reputation and I'm not afraid of jail. All I care about is telling Emily Rose's story." His lawyer Erin Bruner (Laura Linney) despairs, and yet admires him for his conviction. She herself does not believe in demons. The prosecutor, Ethan Thomas (Campbell Scott) is a churchgoer and does presumably believe, but lawyers sometimes argue against what they believe to be true. That's their job.

And who is Emily Rose? As played by Jennifer Carpenter in a grueling performance, she is a college student who sees the faces of friends and strangers turn into demonic snarls. Her nightmares are haunting. She speaks in foreign languages. She loses an alarming amount of weight. She calls home for help, in tears. Her boyfriend can't reach her. The parish priest, Father Moore, is called in, and determines that an exorcism is indicated.

He has authorization from the archdiocese, but after he is charged with murder the church authorities order him to accept plea bargaining and create as little scandal for the church as possible. The church is curiously ambivalent about exorcism. It believes that the devil and his agents can be active in the world, it has a rite of exorcism, and it has exorcists. On the other hand, it is reluctant to certify possessions and authorize exorcisms, and it avoids publicity on the issue. It's like those supporters of Intelligent Design who privately believe in a literal interpretation of Genesis, but publicly distance themselves from it because that would undermine their plausibility in the wider world.

What is fascinating about "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" is that it asks a secular institution, the court, to decide a question that hinges on matters the court cannot have an opinion on. Either Emily was possessed by a demon and Father Moore did his best to save her, or she had a psychotic condition and he unwittingly did his best to kill her. The defense and the prosecution mount strong arguments and call persuasive witnesses, but in the end it all comes down to the personal beliefs of the jury. A juror who does not believe in demons must find the priest guilty, if perhaps sincere. A juror who does believe in demons must decide if Emily Rose was possessed, or misdiagnosed. In a case like this, during the jury selection, are you qualified or disqualified by believing one way or the other?

The movie takes place in a small town surrounded by a Grant Wood landscape; houses and remote farms crouch in winter fields under a harsh sky. The key relationship is between the priest and his defense attorney. Erin Bruner does not believe in devils, but she believes in Father Moore, and she believes he believes in them. "There are dark forces surrounding this trial," he warns her, suggesting that she herself might be a target of demons. In this and other scenes the movie is studiously neutral on the subject of the priest: He would look, speak and behave exactly the same if he were sane and sincere, or deluded and sincere.

Erin works for a powerful law firm retained by the archdiocese. She wants to be named a partner, but she won't be if she agrees with Father Moore's wish to appear on the witness stand; the archdiocese wants to make a deal leading to a quick settlement, with no testimony from the priest, and the archdiocese, not the priest, is the client who is paying. Which way does Erin turn? The film is fascinating in the way it makes legal and ethical issues seem as suspenseful as possession and exorcism.

The movie was directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Paul Harris Boardman and Derrickson. The screenplay is intelligent and open to occasional refreshing wit, as when prosecutor Ethan Thomas makes an objection to one witnesses' speculations about demonology. "On what grounds?" asks the judge (Mary Beth Hurt). "Oh...silliness," he says.

Somehow the movie really never takes off into the riveting fascination we expect in the opening scenes. Maybe it cannot; maybe it is too faithful to the issues it raises to exploit them. A movie like "The Exorcist" is a better film because it's a more limited one, which accepts demons and exorcists lock, stock and barrel, as its starting point. Certainly they're good showbiz. A film that keeps an open mind must necessarily lack a slam-dunk conclusion. In the end Emily Rose's story does get told, although no one can agree about what it means. You didn't ask, but in my opinion she had psychotic epileptic disorder, but it could have been successfully treated by the psychosomatic effect of exorcism if those drugs hadn't blocked the process.

I personally watched this horror, suspense and triller movie show. It is intriguing and perplexing to see this young woman 'Emily Rose' with a tormented life, died during the exorcism. I highly recommend this show with its fascinating true story.

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In a twinkle of eyes, I would love to see flying colours in my exam this 21st and 23th November but can I do it? Coming and getting nearer... I am a bit worried and tend to think wierdly. As this may be an pre-exam phobia for me, I doubt I will have a comfortable sleep. I have been memorising or so-called practising the steps over and over again. I can say that I am not one who will stay seated for hours but I will assure myself that I learnt and hopefully will do the same in my exam. I have awaited for the exam day to arrive unlike others who want to have more time for study. The reason is not that I have finished study, I just don't want to give myself excuse that I have more time to study and just laze around at home doing nothing but eating, watching tv and playing maple. Is this what I called as study week? Is the life of a student just purely study, study and study? Why? I want to face the exam paper soon. Will I know how to do? This keeps fall back on my mind several times and I have numerous reminders that I need to make sure I know this and that formula. I should be used to the steps for the working and finding the answers. This is what I need to do before I can pray hard for passing. Alright! Not to be Ms Lazybum... If not, Mr Lazybum would not want you wor.... Am I right? Mr Alan Lazybunn (His full name is Lee Kin Bunn Alan)

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I am happy to share the news of my friend, Lijuan and Sebastian wedding this Saturday. I believe that Lijuan herself must be feeling real excited and long for this day. I would like to give them my best regards. Wishing them have a happy marriage and "En En Ai Ai" forever!!!

I will attend your wedding with alan, not to worry hor!!! =)

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Yesterday and today I am just being very very hardworking. Study on the math subject OR II, hoping that I can rewind my memory and refresh on the concepts on all the chapters. I managed to study chapter 3 and 4 yesterday and did the blue and green preparation paper given by my lecturer. As for Chapter 1 and 2, I am studying it today. Just complete on my chapter 1 and now moving on to chapter 2. But i find myself very tired. That's why, I am here to write my blog. Haiz... Can I finished studying Chapter 2 by today. Keep your fingers crossed, and I will sure make it. Tata!!!

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This Week's Weekly Lovescopes for the week of 11/7 - 11/13

What to expect this week:
A New Moon in Scorpio on Tuesday sets passions aflame this week. Strong desires can lead to some risky behavior. We believe in pushing the limits in the pursuit of love, but some caution is in order to avoid an embarrassing situation now. Set your sights high, but take a long, slow approach to reaching your romantic goals now.

ARIES (March 20–April 19)
Your feelings may mislead you regarding a friend or colleague this week. Fantasy can be delicious, of course, but crossing the line from thought to action can be tricky, especially during the weekend when the Moon in your sign tends to bring out your impulsive side.

TAURUS (April 20–May 20)
Putting yourself in a new social setting this weekend can be very exciting. Break out of your usual routine, stretch yourself and explore different kinds of people, pleasures and activities. You may be surprised at how comfortable you'll be in strange surroundings.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Your key planet Mercury is turning retrograde in your House of Relationships this weekend. You may have to take some steps backwards with someone before you can start moving forward again. Think very carefully before making any serious commitments.

CANCER (June 21–July 22)
Venus in your partnership house is supported by surprising Uranus this weekend. This connection can bring a relationship breakthrough by blasting away old problems and opening the way to new forms of fun, especially with a person who's not your usual type.

LEO (July 23–August 22)
The communication planet Mercury turns retrograde in your House of Romance this weekend, Leo. Old memories stir your heart, but don't look back with regret. Learn from the past by taking the pleasure you remember and shining it as a light on a new path of love.

VIRGO (August 23–September 22)
Listen, A pushy person who'd normally turn you off might be attractive to you this weekend. There's no guarantee that these feelings are going to last, but it's usually better to follow your impulses instead of being logical and missing out on a passionate experience.

LIBRA (September 23–October 22)
Investing in yourself early in the week can pay off this weekend. Spending money on your appearance is not an act of self-indulgence. It's a recognition that you're worth it, which is rewarded by getting eyes that haven't noticed you before looking in your direction.

SCORPIO (October 23–November 22)
Your judgment regarding an object of your affection might be a little shaky early this week. You may be anxious to leap when there's really no place for you to land. Your instincts about people are usually very sharp, but they may be a little bit fuzzy now.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22–December 21)
Loving Venus lines up with your planet Jupiter early this week, setting you up for successful time socially. Your ability to show your feelings without coming on too strong is what makes you so attractive. It doesn't take big moves to get the attention you want.

CAPRICORN (December 22–January 19)
Don't wait very long to make a romantic move now, Capricorn. The odds of getting a favorable response from someone are in your favor on Monday and Tuesday. Even if you haven't the time to go out then, it is the best period to set your weekend plans into motion.

AQUARIUS (January 20–February 18)
Do something different socially this weekend, Aquarius. Take some chances in your approach, attitude, appearance and activities. Romance can blossom when you break the rules. A totally new experience can be what it takes to make a loving connection now.

PISCES (February 19–March 19)
Being generous and compassionate are two of your wonderful traits, Pisces. But it's probably a good idea to be more self-protective than usual this week. Putting your own needs first isn't selfish, it's simple common sense needed to keep relationships in balance now.

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As for the wedding car and videographer or/and photographer, we still have not made our choice. Anyway that is a half a year for the two of us to pick and choose. And our main concern is the budget. Sometimes is not because the car is not to ur taste, is the monetary problem and the budget that you set aside, it really is a big big headache. I admit that I wan something nice but I wud not give a second comment if i am overruled by the crowd. I find that marriage does not jus take two to clap, it needs to take the efforts and choices of everyone around you. I would not complain nor would I get not happy. I must tell myself to listen to everyone and the best thing is to get everything settled. And i wun be worrying. Mayb the worrying that makes me so sick. I do not doubt my choosy taste. I am same as any of the brides. When they wan to have convertible mercedes benz, their lifelong partner agrees. But if I wan, I need to consider about his assets and his savings.

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Today both of us will be going to our new house again. We have really been there ample times liao. And today is the day part of my curtains are going to be fixed up. Another thing is that my sofa for living room will arrive today as well. Then we need to clean up after that. Later tonite, my mum going to my bridal shop 'Evonne & Creative' to choose her gown to be wear for my wedding dinner. She hopes that there is one that fits her size and of cos, there wud be discounts as well.

Now I am having slight flu, mayb bcos of the weather. Lucky my head dun feel that feverish anymore. I drink a lot of herbal tea and cooling tea. Hopefully I can get well soon and be more awake as well. I find myself very weak nowadays. Stress maybe! or Busy!

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