2000
TV - FOX
"X-Files" episode
"Orison"
|
In the Jan. 9 airing, Agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) had a bonsai
in her apartment, possibly a juniper, but not in a well-lit location.
It is not known if it survived the pitched battle that occurred <like
readers of these Boldly Grows didn't see that one coming...>
but it probably wasn't long for this world anyway. (Contributed by
Marc Zimmerman in posting to rec.arts.bonsai, January 10, 2000)
|
|
|
TV - FOX
"X-Files" episode
"The Amazing Maleeni"
|
And airing one week later, comes this glimpse of a small, very shaggy juniper
with a thick, perhaps braided trunk. It is seen briefly next to the
computer of Mr. Pinchbeck (Ricky Jay) at the Cradock Marine Bank about
40 minutes into the episode. In the 2 or 3 shots, not the entire
tree is seen at once and what is visible is slightly out of focus.
(This tree goes unnoticed by the forces of chaos.)
|
|
|
United Artists distributed
movie
Things
You Can Tell Just By Looking At Her
|
In
the segment "Someone For Rose," Rose (Kathy Baker) is working at the computer
when the doorbell rings. She goes to the front door but there is
no-one there. She looks down and there is a small bonsai on the front
step. She takes the bonsai inside and puts it next to the computer
and later it is in the kitchen. (Released in the U.S. on January
22) (Contributed by Bronwyn Woodward, Essendon, Victoria, Australia
in personal e-mail to RJB on March 1, 2003)
|
|
|
TV - CBS
"Judging Amy" episode
"The Wee Hours"
|
Brother Vincent (Dan Futterman)'s "new editor was working on a bonsai in his office, and I counted at least
two more on the sidelines. Couln't make out type of trees though (bad eyes). Probably mallsai
that aren't expected to live. Interesting though." Original airdate Feb. 22. (Contributed
by Flemming Hansen in posting to rec.arts.bonsai on March 13, 2000.)
New 10/08/06
|
|
|
TV - PBS
"The Victory Garden"
|
The 25th anniversary retrospective show on April 8 included an encore visit
to the Osaka Expo (original airdate June 30, 1990) with a brief glimpse
of the Imperial Household Chamaecyparis obtusa bonsai.
|
|
|
TV - Snickers candy bar
commercial
|
In an ad seen in early June, a man is talking to a picture of a panda bear
which he is holding out to his left. Asking what the bear wants for
lunch, the man responds to himself in a falsetto voice. A very brief
shot from behind reveals a thin-trunked bonsai on a book case/office divider
just to the left of center. The bonsai has several distinct horizontal
thin-foliaged branches. The man's co-workers are then shown viewing
him from outside the frosted window of his office door which he is facing.
|
|
|
TV - WB
"Batman Beyond" cartoon
episode "Curse of the Kobra" (Part I)
|
In a brief scene indoors at a martial arts dojo, a medium-sized
curving trunk pine (?) is seen in one corner. At the opposite end
of this particular non-sparring room is a dry sand garden, the equivalent
of perhaps 6' long x 3' deep. In the center of the room is a koi
pond/wading pool arrangement. We return to the room later in
the episode.
|
|
|
TV - Zyrtec®
commercial
|
In an ad seen once in early September, perhaps four adults are shown individually
admitting to allergies. After use of this Pfizer U.S. brand
of antihistamine, each is seen doing some out-of-doors activity which,
presumably, had formerly been difficult to complete. One woman is
seen clipping the underside of the foliage layer of a small/medium "mallsai"
style juniper.
|
|
|
TV - Lancia Lybra
commercial
|
"Harrison Ford, according to Italian press reports, recently earned $2.3
million for endorsing Lancia Lybra cars. The content of the ad is
just about enough to cause most Indiana Jones fans in the United States
to hang up their bullwhips -- it featured Ford reviving a withered Bonsai
tree by taking it for a ride." ("Roman Holiday" by Andrew Morse,
abcNEWS.com, RJB hardcopy printed 03/23/01, http://abcnews.go.com/sections/world/DailyNews/italy000420_ads.html)
|
|
|
Sony Pictures Classics/Columbia
Tri-Star movie
Crouching
Tiger, Hidden Dragon
(Wo
hu zang long)
|
This mostly positively reviewed and English subtitled film, with lush cinematography
and score, takes place in and around Beijing in the early 1800s.
There are over a half dozen scenes with pensai and penjing as set decorations.
These range from closeups of a person talking (indoors) while there is
a tree just over her shoulder -- the pot and trunk tantalizingly just out
of focus, large and near upper right screen edge -- to long shots of a
venerable six foot plus tall slanting style specimen with shari
in a large rectangular basin (outdoors) in a modest-sized courtyard throughout
a fight scene. At least one other scene has a quick view of a small
but respectable collection of medium-sized compositions lined up on a bench/shelf
outside someone's residence. Medium-sized, deep bowled untrained
trees, flowers and other plants grace several indoor sets. [The martial
arts with and without weapons are astounding and, yes, even a bit magical
in this which is said to be the middle of three eventual films. RJB
does admit feeling that in one fight scene the Boldly Grow "curse"
would show up but, xie xie, it did not. :) ]
Some of the trees were also seen in the various clips used for the many
award shows in which this film was a nominee. Shown at New York Film
Festival October 9; general USA release December 8.
(See also
Episode 19
of "Lindsay Farr's World Of Bonsai" for a tour of some
of the locations used in Crouching Tiger.)
|
|
|
Beacon Communications
movie
The
Family Man
|
Past
the halfway point in the film, Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage) is showing
Kate (Téa Leoni) the luxury apartment that is a perk for being in
the new company. He opens a door to the left side of the room and
through the doorway we see a bonsai against the cream-colored horizontal-pleated
drapes. It appears to be a two-foot tall pine in a deep round dark
bowl. There are no distinct foliage pads or deadwood splashes of
jin
or
shari here: the numerous thin curving branches are reminiscent
of a style from earlier days. The tree is visible over the actress's
shoulder in perhaps six shots during the scene. Premiered in USA
December 12.
|
|
|
2001
TV - IBM e-business
commercial
|
"There is a respectable looking bonsai behind one of the characters being
convinced this is the way to go; I couldn't tell what species it is, but
it's actually proportionate and is in a low-profile pot. Maybe they're
looking after all....."
"But you notice it's in the dark instead of in front of the window."
(Contributed by Merida Weinstein in posting to rec.arts.bonsai, January
13, 2001, with note by Greg Nicholas on January 15.)
|
|
|
TV - CBS News
"Sunday Morning"
|
During an interview with Billie Jean King for a segment on "Women in Sports"
which began perhaps fifteen minutes into this Jan. 28 show, there are five
shots of a bonsai over the tennis great's left shoulder. In an indoors
living room-type setting, a somewhat thin-trunked small juniper with triangular
foliage is seen in what is probably a dark round pot with flaring lip.
The container rests on a low stand on a piece of furniture against the
wall a few feet behind King. The tree's trunk curves slightly to
the right at its base and then rises more or less straight upwards.
|
|
|
TV - PBS
"Wall$treet Week with
Louis Rukeyser"
|
In the first half of this February 16 half-hour episode, John Kim is one
of the guests. Out of focus several feet behind him and off his left
shoulder is a small bonsai. The brown trunk, diagonally to the right
with green foliage on left top and right bottom, rises from an elliptical
tray which rests on a dark brown (cherry?) table. The table appears
to be against the wall with its front and back semi-circular wings folded
down, only the front one being visible. The table and tray are also
seen in a few wide shots of the three panelists with Rukeyser.
|
|
|
TV - UPN
"Star Trek Voyager" episode
"Workforce, Part II"
|
Originally airing on Feb. 28, this one has what looks to be a large juniper,
in a rectangular blue glazed pot, on the window to Capt. Kathryn Janeway
(Kate Mulgrew)'s right during the final parting scene. (Contributed
by Mike McCallion in personal e-mail to RJB on October 24, 2001.
Mike says he's seen trees in her quarters on previous episodes. Anyone
have details?)
|
|
|
TV - DIY
"Episode Epcot Flower & Garden Festival" episode
"The Basics of Bonsai"
|
Throughout the lush landscapes of Epcot and the Walt Disney World
Resort, visitors are treated to the sight of beautifully sculpted trees
in almost every imaginable size and shape. Among some of the most
compelling forms are the miniature bonsai trees that grace the Japan
exhibit. To provide a close-up look at how these shapely little
trees get their unique silhouettes, host Kim Haworth talks with bonsai
expert Jim VanLandingham of the Bonsai Society of Florida.
VanLandingham begins by explaining that the actual technique of
creating bonsai is called "bonesigh," then he gives a step-by-step
demonstration of the art. Episode EFF-201
air date of May 7. New 12/05/05 |
|
|
Montecito Picture Company /DreamWorks Distribution movie
Evolution |
AUDIO ONLY
In the deleted "Original Hotel Scene in Allison's Room" in the DVD version extras, Dr. Ira Kane (David
Duchovny) comments about Dr. Allison Reed (Julie Moore)'s hands: "You got the tiniest little baby hands.
They're like a bonn-zye tree." Released June 8 in the USA.
New 08/09/07
|
|
|
TV - PBS
"Tojo's War"
episode
|
Almost 20 minutes into this
documentary, historical newsreel footage shows a large room filled with diplomats. India's
Chandra Bohse (in
1943?) is speaking of his
support for Japan, and a large bonsai is seen against the far wall. This is a conifer in a slightly
rectangular bowl. This WGBH production had an original airdate of
June 8.
New 09/25/07
|
|
|
Paramount Pictures movie
Lara Croft, The Tomb
Raider |
Awakening suddenly from a dream and holding her curved dagger, Lara (Angelina
Jolie) goes to investigate a metallic clanging noise in her mansion.
She goes down a short stairwell and pauses at the bottom, then walks right
to left. Behind her, between two white shaded lamps, is a bonsai
seen briefly. She passes it and turns back: we can see the plant
again. More shapely than a pom-pom, it is an upright juniper (perhaps)
with a slightly curving dark brown trunk holding four foliage masses.
It is in a light brown, tallish columnar pot with at least two brass bands
encircling the container's wood. Lara moves to the paneling at the
side of the stairwell and starts to smash the wood there. When she
makes an opening, there is a shot from under the stairwell of her looking
into the dark recess. The bonsai's foliage is just barely visible
along the right edge of the opening, just out of focus. Boldly Grow's
curse: it is not known if the tree survives the fire fight that later takes
place in the mansion. Premiered in the USA on June 11. (Brought
to RJB's attention by son Andrew and then pointed out by son Kenny.)
|
|
|
TV - BBC
"Absolutely Fabulous" episode
"Menopause"
|
AUDIO ONLY
Not quite 10 minutes into this episode and getting ready to leave Edwina's kitchen,
Bo (Mo Gaffney) states to shorter-by-a-head husband Marshall (Christopher Ryan),
"Uh, hold up my little bonn-zye tree. I know you have dreams of running with
the redwoods, but you wouldn't last a second out there on your own."
New 05/27/06
|
|
|
Touchstone Pictures movie
Corky
Romano |
Released on Oct. 12, this one is essentially an Easter egg: In a single
shot we see part of a dwarf potted tree. Intercut right after Corky's
brothers have beaten up a group of skinheads, Agent Davis (Matthew Glave)
is talking to Agent Shuster (Richard Roundtree) in the latter's office.
As his secretary appears at the door, Shuster listens and responds to her.
The foliage from the right-hand side of a juniper with a flattened "Y"
trunk is seen over his right shoulder. That's it. The shape
can only be that of a bonsai, albeit, indoors and as usual underlit.
(Ah, the joys of the rewind button.) |
|
|
TV - DIY
"Oilcloth Cafe Curtain, Zen Gardening and more... " episode
"Zen Gardening" | Jessie Mack Burns, Ask DIY gardening expert, builds a small dry garden with a potted bonsai in one corner. Episode ADI-303
air date of October 20. New 12/05/05 |
|
|
| TV - Ford Explorer commerical |
In a spot seen on Nov. 2, the Ackerman family is presented as 3rd generation
Ford owners. At one point, the father is said to be "working in the
garden" -- as he is shown by a workbench with at least one bonsai.
The tree has a wide "Y" trunk and is in a rectangular pot. The 2002
model year vehicle is in front. The tree is seen very briefly in
close up. Another tree is shown being put into the trunk/hatchback.
(With assistance by Parris Janusek in personal e-mail to RJB on November
26, 2001) |
|
|
Touchstone Pictures movie
The
Royal Tenenbaums |
Towards the end of this film, two rather excellent bonsai -- a shimpaku and momiji --
are seen in what we later learn is the courtyard garden of the Japanese
Consulate, which is next door to the Tenenbaum's house. The trees
are well seen, although briefly. After crashing his car and being
chased, Eli Cash (Owen Wilson) has been thrown over the wall and Chas
(Ben Stiller) then joins him flat on the ground in front of the two
bonsai. No notice is signalled that these would be there.
On the left is the shimpaku, perhaps 2 to 2-1/2'H, its brown trunk curves to the right and has a few lighter jin
visible under the dark green canopy of foliage. The pot is dark
brown, medium-depth rectangular with curved bottom edges and slight
flare to the top. To the right is the momiji forest,
perhaps 3'H with rust-colored foliage above the thin black oval
container. A bamboo reed screen with bamboo crosspieces is the
background these are set against; they rest on a platform of gray
planks (placed front-to-back) not quite 6" off the light-gray gravel
ground. If you rent this film, do pause
at the sight of these: they are, alas, all too fleeting. (But at least they are not "cursed.") World premiere at New
York Film Festival October 5; general release in USA December 14.
(Contributed by Jeff Aldridge, Minnesota, in personal e-mail to RJB on
December 31, 2001; details later by RJB) Added to
09/02/05 |
|
|
2002
TV - DIY
"Hedge Border, Ferns, Replacing a Bathroom Vanity, Hand-Rubbed Finishes" episode
"Bonsai" | Walter Reeves, Ask DIY Gardening expert) shows how to use overgrown plants from the nursery as bonsai. Episode ADI-515
air date of July 23. New 12/05/05 |
|
|
TV - CBS
"CSI: Miami" episode
"Kill Zone" |
A sniper is targeting downtown Miami in this November 18 episode.
The sniper left a partial Japanese Black pine needle at the scene, leading
the detective to conclude a connection with bonsai, remarking that it required
as much patience as being a sniper. (The tree is obviously not indigenous
to the area. To get a perfect rifle shot at 900 ft (?) requires similar
patience as training a tree for thirty years.) When the sniper's
beautiful trees are seen, they are indoors on pedestals in a dimly lit
room. (The writers need to do more research. BTW - this is
at least the second time a bonsai has appeared on this show. Earlier
in the season there was a rather large bonsai tree in the background at
one of the crime scenes.) (Contributed by Bart Thomas and Sean Nemecek
in postings to Internet Bonsai Club, Nov. 19, 2002, with input by Bob &
Michelle Hall June 10, 2003 from the previous night's re-run.) |
|
|
TV - HGTV
"Winter Gardener" episode
"Growing Bonsai" |
A few tips for starting a bonsai of your own by host John Cretti and
guest Harold Sasaki. Episode TWG-109
air date of November 23. New 09/10/05 |
|
|
2003
TV
"Andromeda" episode
"The Dark Backward" |
"On this [February 3] episode of the science fiction series Andromeda,
a bonsai (or mock-up thereof) played a central role to the storyline.
Trance Gemini (Laura Bertram) is an alien who can see various possible
futures. As she is exploring different outcomes of a conflict, she
uses the pruning of a bonsai tree as a tool. She cuts off a branch,
and experiences the playing out of a string of events. Most futures
lead to the deaths of her crewmembers, but she is able to 'go back'.
The nice trick many bonsai enthusiasts would love is that the pruned branch
'comes back' as well. After exploring several dead end futures, she
takes a risk and cuts off the main branch of the tree, representing the
life of the captain.
"Nice to see a bonsai in a storyline actually being part of the storyline,
rather than a prop in the background to look pretty or say something about
a character it belongs to.
"This is actually about the 4th or 5th time bonsai or bonsai-esque plants
are used in this series, but this is the first time where it really takes
a spot at the center of a plotline." (Contributed by Sam Crowell
of Klamath Falls, OR in posting to Internet Bonsai Club, February 9, 2003)
|
|
|
TV - PBS
"George Shrinks"
episode
"From Bad to Worse" |
In the February 3 episode (#20) of this Mixed Live Action/Animated
program, Mom and Dad are going out and leave George and Junior with
Aunt Eunice. Aunt Eunice is the only person who treats George
like he is three inches tall and can't do things that a regular 10 year
old boy can do. George sets out to prove himself to Aunt Eunice
but in the process everything turns into a catastrophe. Until, by
accident, Aunt Eunice's prize bonsai tree gets broken and only George
can fix it. Aunt Eunice is so impressed by George, she apologizes
for pre-judging him and they become fast friends.
New 05/10/05 |
|
|
TV - DIY
"Repairing Grout, Bonsai, Gourmet Dinner, Rearranging Furnishings and more" episode
"
Bonsai" | Walter Reeves,
Ask DIY Gardening expert) shows how to use overgrown plants from the nursery as bonsai. Episode ADI-702
air date
of April 1. (Yes, this segment is the same as originally
presented on July 23, 2002, but now in a different mix of other
segments in a different episode.) New 12/05/05 |
|
|
TV - Cartoon Network
"Cowboy Bebop"
episode
"Black Dog Serenade" |
This
high-quality and intelligent 1998 Japanese anime series first aired in the U.S. on April
4, 2003. The year is 2071 A.D.
Driven out of their terrestrial eden, humanity chose the stars as the
final frontier. In this session #16, we meet the ever steadfast
Jet Black, a man who, with his old-world principles, lives at odds with
this age's callous wind of change. His is a life of duty and
compassion for his fellow man: 'Abhor the sin, not the sinner.' A
man of eclectic tastes, he takes pleasure in Goethe even as he indulges
his passion for Charlie Parker. Although a compulsive gambler,
Jet ordinarily finds peace of mind tending to his bonsai. He is
also a competent cook. In his younger years he was a member of
the ISSP (Inter Solar Systems Police). Back then he was a hotshot
officer, and was known by the nickname Black -- 'once he gets his teeth
in you, he doesn't let go' -- Dog. But he returned from the ISSP
following an incident that left him badly injured and requiring
cybernetic implants. Before too long, however, he had begun his
life as a bounty hunter. (Said to be available on the Cowboy Bebop #4 DVD.)
New 05/10/05 |
|
|
TV - HGTV
"Decorating With Style" episode
"Bonsai Tablescape" |
Learn how to care for tender bonsai plants. Episode DWS-832
air date of May 19. New 09/10/05 |
|
|
Epsilon Motion Pictures and
Warner Bros. Pictures movie
The
In-Laws |
Premiering in the U.S. also on May 19, this film shows its gem when Dr. Jerry Peyser (Albert Brooks)
is on the phone "in the bathroom of Barbra Streisand's airplane," as piloted by Steve Tobias
(Michael Douglas). About 20 minutes into the film we thus see a juniper whose trunk rises on
the right side of the dark tan long oval pot and doubles back to the left. There should be an
award for this tree's aweful location: next to the sink in a window-less bathroom onboard a private jet.
New 10/08/06
|
|
|
TV - HGTV
"TIPical Mary Ellen" episode
"Miniature Plant Displays" |
Miniatures are just smaller plants, and the best known example is
probably the bonsai tree. Any plant with small foliage, a small
root system and that can live happily in a two-inch diameter container
would make a good candidate for a miniature plant display.
Episode TIP-559 air date of June 24.
New 09/10/05 |
|
|
TV - PBS
"The Victory Garden" |
In this July 19 episode (#2816), host Michael Weishan is back in Vancouver at
the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden, where he observes the majesty and art of
bonsai trees. |
|
|
TV - DIY
"Oriental Garden" episode
| “
Bonsai”
segment: Paul James, host of HGTV's Gardening by the Yard, examines Michael Raska's bonsai collection; and “
Bonsai Collectors”
segment: For 16 years Pam and Bob Hampel have collected bonsai
trees, and their garden now features several hundred plants, some of
which are show quality. Episode DIG-158
air date of September 17. New 11/23/05 |
|
|
TV - ABC
"According to Jim"
episode
"The Errand" |
Halfway through this Sept. 23 episode, a tall-medium juniper in a blue
glazed pot is pulled out of a shopping bag by Cheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith)
and put on the kitchen table. Two full shots of the tree and one
of its right side (into the left edge of the picture). The tree was
followed by a pair of candles (one yellow, one purple) and then a mask
and snorkle -- as if Jim (Jim Belushi) deliberately got the wrong gifts
for their friends' 25th Anniversary. One quick shot of the tree again
right after the commercial break.
|
|
|
TV - DIY
"Unusual Gardens, Part 2" episode
"Tabletop Garden" | This garden for kids of all ages includes a 1-gallon juniper as a bonsai. Episode DIG-165
air date of September 26. New 11/23/05 |
|
|
Miramax Films movie
Kill Bill, Vol. 1
|
In the Chapter 5 segment, during the final third of the film, in The House Of Blue Leaves nightclub in Japan there might be a
couple of bonsai very briefly seen in the shadows. One bonsai is, indeed,
visible: in the hallway as Sofie Fatale (Julie Dreyfus) goes to the
restroom. The not-particularly-remarkable tree is in a shallow brown oval or rectangular pot
and has a thin trunk. The wispy foliage is heavier on the top
half of the tree. The height of the plant is perhaps 3x the
container width (left-to-right), and the foliage width is perhaps 2 to
2-1/2x container width. To the immediate right of the tree
is a round plate which seems to be the same pale color as the wall
behind them. The plate is on a dark-colored stand. The shot
here is, at best, four seconds long. The tree is seen
out-of-focus a little earlier when the owner and his wife walk by.
He is carrying several beer bottles and asks (with subtitles) "What's
gonna happen?"
(The composition seen in the private room a
few times in a blue oval pot behind O-Ren Ishii (Lucy Liu) is an ikebana, not bonsai.)
NOTE: This is a highly stylized and
ultra-violent revenge saga which is partly an homage to the classic Chinese
martial arts films of the 1970s. It is definitely NOT A FAMILY FILM.
Strictly speaking, if you want to see it ONLY for the bonsai, pass on
it and instead choose one of the other films listed here.
Released on Oct. 16. New
10/18/05 |
|
|
Tamil movie with subtitles
Ragasiyamai
|
By first time director Amuthan,
"the entire movie revolves around bonsai trees. Unlike romance in other movies,
[this] is all about the love between a sculptor college student [Five Star fame Prasanna] and a
college girl [Mumbai newcomer Neelam] whose hobby is to collect bonsai trees." Released on Oct. 17.
(Per "The bonsai takes over," http://newstodaynet.com/talkies/1708tt5.htm, accessed 9/25/03.) New
10/08/06 |
|
|
TV - HGTV
"The Insider's Garden" episode
"Hooked on Bonsai" |
"The graceful art of bonsai often appears intimidating; however, anyone
can do it with a little study and practice. We begin with an
overview of different types of bonsai and show you how to choose your
first bonsai plant. Then, we visit a bonsai grower who once went
to a bonsai show and got hooked on the miniature masterpieces.
Bonsai expert Bob Pressler of the Kamura Bonsai Nursery shows how to
care for, transplant and shape bonsai. Finally, learn some great
decorating tips to display bonsai in your home." Episode TIG-201
air date of October 18.
|
|
|
| TV - "Acura MDX" Sports
Utility Vehicle commercial |
A bonsai Juniper (?) (or perhaps an artificial "Ming Tree" for ease of
filming under the hot lights) is featured in this one. It has the
guy in the office looking out the window or at a slanted upright Bonsai
in a rectangular tray, then zooms in on the rock path in the bonsai
plant and you see the MDX driving over river rock around this huge
tree. The bonsai, possibly an evergreen with five touching
foliage layers and planted right of center with a slight mounding at
its base, is perhaps 12" tall with a 1" thick trunk in a tray maybe 15"
across and 4" deep. (Contributed
by Uriah Heep in personal e-mail to RJB, November 13, 2003; details by
Andrew Schell in personal e-mail to RJB, September 22, 2004, with a jpg
from http://ad-rag.com/ --
enter "bonsai" in the site search engine in the upper right to see the picture.)
|
|
|
TV - E! Entertainment
"The E! True Hollywood Story" episode
"Rock Star Daughters"
|
In the segment interviewing Calico and Alice Cooper, a small three-thick-trunked
juniper is seen between and behind them. In a black oval pot with mossy ground
cover and slightly untrimmed foliage, the tree seems to be actually an artificial
Ming tree rather than a living plant. Air date of December 7.
New 02/24/06 |
|
|
TV - HGTV
"Extreme Homes" episode
"Jumble House"
|
The two original structures that now make up this home were built
around 1940 as a two-bedroom cottage and a garage with a guest
apartment above it. Kelly Amen built a bridge that overlooks oak trees
and a bonsai and Zen rock garden. Episode EXT-609
air date of December 23. New 09/10/05 |
|
|
2004
20th Century Fox movie
The Day After Tomorrow
|
DVD version: Scene #4, "A Big Drop," Chiyoda District, Tokyo. As
the police car goes by, we see Taka (Tim Hamaguchi) sitting at small
stand. A bonsai in a flaring black or dark brown pot is very
briefly seen with about a 15" tall tree. The trunk rises slightly
above the soil and splits into two trunks, the left side becoming the
main part of the tree and apex. Large leaves, rounded top.
The camera zooms in slightly to the tree, then cuts to Taka drinking
sake. The scene cuts back to the shop a few seconds later as his
cell phone rings and he talks to his wife. This is followed by
three shots of an old man talking with the police officer, then back to
the shop. A cardboard plant (cycad) in a round nursery-type
container is visible to the left edge of the shop's
counter/opening. The shopkeeper a little later closes the metal
shutter right before the enormous ice chunks/hail fall. (Saved
from the curse of Boldly Grow!) There are other plants seen
outside the shops on that street, but they seem to be only decorative,
not artistically trained. In the deleted scenes, #25 "Gary's
Shady Deal/Taka Dies,", a different version of this shows Taka having a
cellphone conversation with
the New York stockbroker instead. The scene is slightly recut
from the final film version. Possibly a small bonsai in a white
container is seen in passing right before the shot through the red
metal grating as Taka tries to cross the street. In this version, NO shutter was closed! Released in USA
May 28. New 04/13/05 |
|
|
TV - HGTV
"Curb Appeal" episode
"Japanese Garden" |
Bonsai are added to a front yard landscaping Episode CRB-411
air date of August 17. New 09/10/05 |
|
|
TV - HGTV
"Gardening by the Yard" episode
"A Non-Traditional Bonsai" |
The fourth segment in this August 28 show (GBY-723) has master gardener
Paul James demonstrating a new trend in gardening that's related to the
ancient Japanese art of bonsai--a non-traditional bonsai.
|
|
|
TV - HGTV
"TIPical Mary Ellen" episode
"Egg Rolls and Spring Rolls" |
The third segment in this August 31 show (TIP-811) is about "Caring for
Bonsai Trees." Master
gardener Jonathan Pedersen shares tips on caring for and growing bonsai trees.
|
|
|
|
TV - "Acura MDX" Sports
Utility Vehicle commercial |
This one ad shows what looked like a juniper bonsai sitting in an
office with a guy looking at it apparently dreaming of
how he could drive his MDX. The MDX is seen from an aerial view
driving over a dirt/gravel road & I think it has some fancy techno
music. Same tree but different ad as above? (Contributed
by Andrew Schell
in personal e-mail to RJB, September 22, 2004.)
|
|
|
Paramount Pictures movie
Team
America: World Police |
Released on Oct. 11, "there are mallsai junipers in the palace of the marionette Kim Jong Il in
the new HILARIOUSLY FUNNY movie."
[Per pootsie from Columbus, Ohio in posting to
bonsaitalk.com on Oct. 16, 2004]
New 10/23/06
|
|
|
Columbia Pictures movie
The
Grudge |
At the 100:11 mark on the DVD, a bonsai in a round brown pot with a thick lip -- almost like an Italian
clay flower pot -- is seen in a brief shot on a cabinet next to a window in Det. Nakagawa (Ryo Ishibashi)'s office at night.
It is a nice, slightly delicate-looking informal upright pine with grayish bark on the not-so-thick trunk. Rootage is seen at eye level
at the top of the soil. The pot is perhaps 4" deep, with the tree another 15" above the soil level.
No needles are seen on the underside of the branches. The branch closest to the wall on the right is virtually
touching the wall. After the detective has viewed the surveillance tape, there is a long shot of
the office with the tree seen to be positioned next to the outside window. The left-most third of
the tree is actually backed by the window's glass.
At about the 111.13 mark of the DVD, the tree is seen again across the office,
now with the window blind down. There are three other shots of the tree in that brief scene.
(Released in USA October 22.)
New 02/08/08
|
|
|
2005
TV - BHG
"Australian Better Homes & Gardens"
|
"Presenter Graham Ross shows two young girls
how easy it is to start a small plant off as a bonsai plus great ideas
for the weekend gardener and all about cannas." Air date April 22.
New 08/19/06
|
|
|
Internet - YouTube video
"Bonsai Tree" |
An interesting piece.
A pop tune celebration of a tree gotten a week earlier from a shoppe, a small non-conifer with a straight trunk
which curves to the side before straightening up again. By the band Stilltide ©2005. The pronunciation of
the key word is correct. In an "homage"(?) to the "Curse of Boldly Grow," the tree is watered near the end... (Per
hans van meer in
posting to IBC on 11/05/06; but also the link was given by Alasdair a week earlier in a
post
to BonsaiTalk forum)
New 11/05/06
|
|
|
TV - HGTV
"Gardening by the Yard" episode
“Bamboo Fence" |
Master gardener Paul James shares step-by-step instructions for
building a bamboo fence. Dress up the bed instantly by adding
some empty pots or a container plant--like a bonsai juniper.
Episode GBY-903
air date of August 20. New 09/10/05 |
|
|
TV - HGTV
"Rebecca's Garden" episode
"The Art of Bonsai" |
For some, the ancient art of bonsai is a perfect solution for life's hectic pace. Episode REB-637
air date of September 6. New 09/10/05 |
|
|
TV - DIY
"Asian Inspiration" episode
"Bonsai, Ferns and Grasses" |
Three overgrown trees are pruned to reveal their lovely structure, and
the open space in enclosed with bamboo fencing, plants in Asian-style
pots are added along with pea gravel swirled with shiny river
rocks. Episode WKL-109
air date of September 15.
New 11/23/05
|
|
|
|
TV - "STAINMASTER® carpet" commercial
|
Seen in September, this ad sought to answer the question: what do
parents do with the son's room when he goes off to college? The
room is first made into a workout/gym in gray tones, then done up in
traditional dimly-lit Japanese style with a low table. As the Dad
on the left states that "Inner peace is getting boring," Mom on the
right snips the little juniper bonsai in half. The foliaged top
tips over to the left off the small rectangular tray. The
commercial goes on to show other decorating possibilities, but we were
too traumatized to take note...
New 09/29/05
|
|
|
TV - WB
"The Batman" cartoon episode
"Batgirl Begins" (Part II)
|
Extensive and bizarre is this Sept. 30 episode which RJB just happened
to be alerted to by my family as the sequence was
beginning. About halfway through this half-hour show, a
bonsai is seen in a shallow, gray, rectangular pot on a nightstand in
Barbara Gordon's bedroom. The tree "comes alive"/becomes (really)
animated by the powers of the villain Poison Ivy, and walks out of its
container on root-feet. After the commercial break, the bonsai
jumps onto Poison Ivy and her large mobile plant (think "Audrey II"
from Little Shop of Horrors.) A little later, the bonsai
with two feet and a long tail (to help balance?) then distracts the
guard at the Chlorogem plant by jumping on his desk. A scene
later when the bonsai jumps after Batman, Batgirl grabs it in midair
and it grows a long tendril which throws Batgirl for a loop.
Later, when the giant plant comes up out of the asphalt in the street
and its large red bloom opens, there inside is Poison Ivy holding and
petting the bonsai like a cat. The bonsai attacks Batgirl and is
thrown down, but then is joined by at least four identicle cloned
mobile dwarf trees. They are apparently defeated in the ensuing
confusion of a brief battle when the large plants are frozen.
Nothing more is seen of them. (Whew -- major "Boldly Grow"!
I can hardly wait to see where some next-generation bonsai student or
teacher confesses he/she was first attracted to the art because of this
particular cartoon!?!)
New 10/14/05
|
|
|
TV - DIY
"Japanese Tea Garden" episode
"Bonsai and Bamboo"
|
Making a bonsai
with a miniature brush cherry (Eugenia myrtifolia Nanum). Episode WKG-206
air date of November 8.
New 11/23/05
|
|
|
TV - ABC
"Good Morning America"
|
In an interview with the Queen Rania of Jordan on Nov. 11 following a
string of deadly hotel bombings, there is a small informal upright
bonsai, with leaves, in a brown oval pot on a desk behind Her Majesty
to the right. (Posting for the Internet Bonsai Club, "Bonsai in
the News - The Queen of Jordan," http://internetbonsaiclub.org/index.php?option=com_smf&
Itemid=132&topic=17357.0 by Tony Ashton and responses for speculation on this set piece; "Queen Rania: Jordanians Are Determined After Bombings," http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=1302965)
New 11/21/05
|
|
|
|
TV - "Kleenex"® commercial
|
On Nov. 15 we saw the following: A bespectacled
Caucasian monk rights a baby turtle that was upside down, puts a
goldfish out of water back into the pond, and sweeps up a bug gently
into his dustpan. In his residence, he blows his nose into a
tissue. A small mallsai juniper in a black rectangular tray is
behind him on screen-right. The monk hears the announcer say that
Kleenex® kills some 99% of germs -- and he looks a little
worried. Then comes the tag lines: "Thank goodness for
forgiveness. Thank goodness for Kleenex®."
New 11/21/05
|
|
|
TV - DIY
"Two-Sided Fence, Part 2" episode
"Plantings"
|
A bonsai is
placed on a plinth in front of a red circle on the fence. Episode WKL-408
air date of November 22.
New 11/23/05
|
|
|
2006
TV - Science Channel
"How It's Made" episode
"Artificial Bonsai"
|
In the third segment of
this particular episode, a bonsai-zoke of an unspecified manufacturer is shown being assmebled
by a Caucasian artisan. Wire, floral tape, plastic needles (from China), weathered driftwood,
styrofoam, modeling clay, rice paper, and assorted mosses are used over a period of 4 to 6 days to create
a 17-1/2"H specimen placed in a shallow tray. Its market value will be $50 to $800. Episode 66
also covered 3-wheel vehicles, wooden baseball bats, and the trombone. Original
air date of January 4.
New 09/25/07
|
|
|
Dimension & Miramax Films movie
Scary Movie 4
|
Inside the doorway of the Norris
Japanese house is a medium-size juniper in a black rectangular pot on a dark
brown plank, which rests on a bamboo mat. This is on a dark brown counter/shelf
right next to a window. The first shot of it is overhead as Cindy Campbell
(Anna Faris) enters (perhaps 15 minutes into the film?). She asks "Mr. Koji?"
and takes her purse off her shoulder. The tree is seen behind her, partly
obscured by the end post of the stairway railing. The soil cover is possibly
a pale blue moss. The tree is briefly seen again five or so minutes later, now at
night from above. Shortly thereafter it is seen as Cindy goes up the stairs.
Almost ten mintues later, Cindy runs into the house and talks to the boy at the top of
the landing. Following a bizarre and inspired Japanese language conversation, a close-up
of her shows the tree behind her. We see the twisted trunk with branches and roots
wrapped around. (The tree is also seen in a deleted scene of Cindy at the stairs,
and in the Visual Effects extra feature.)
Note: This is a parody of The Grudge (see 2007, Oct. 22 entry above)
but has its tree in a different style and completely different setting. Released in USA April 14. (Brought
to RJB's attention by son Kenny.)
New 10/08/06
|
|
|
TV - NKTN
"Kappa Mikey" episode
"Mikey Impossible"
|
This Nicktoons episode's plot is described as "Mikey destroys Ozu's bonsai tree." He deactivates the security alarm
around the raised platform to one side of the indoor room on which sits the subject tree.
He partly defoliates and breaks some branches on the deciduous tree. We see the leafless
tree in a double-decker tan rectangular pot. Near the end of the episode the tree miraculously
becomes regenerated and all is well. Air date May 20. (RJB caught the last portion
of the episode showing the above -- there is probably a little more storyline which I missed.)
New 05/27/06
|
|
|
TV - BHG
"Australian Better Homes & Gardens"
|
"When it comes to Bonsai, it doesn’t get any better
than this – Japan’s most renowned Bonsai Master, 91 year-old Saburo Kato-san, and his masterpiece,
a 2000 year old [sic] Shimpaku Juniper. Presenter Graham Ross has travelled to Omiya, just north of Tokyo,
to bring you this amazing insight into the ancient living artform of Bonsai and see the biggest
and best collection in the world, before taking you through the basics of producing your own
treasured tree at home." Air date June 16.
New 08/19/06
|
|
|
Universal Pictures movie
You, Me and Dupree
|
About eleven minutes into this film,
when Carl (Matt Dillon) meets with his new father-in-law and boss Mr. Thompson
(Michael Douglas) in the latter's office, a bonsai is seen on the left. It
has a single trunk with branches starting perhaps halfway up the trunk. It
is in a tan pot whose top flares wider than the footed base. There are
four quick shots with the tree. Thompson also has a samurai sword on a
stand on his desk and a large Buddha in the koi pond garden just outside his
window. At about the fifty-five minute mark, we see a tree with a long
trunk that slightly curves with a handful of foliage pads. Not sure if
this is a conifer or not. In two quick shots we see that this is now actually a
second tree, on the right side of Thompson's desk. This is a twin-trunk,
wired, and the left trunk is smaller. Released in USA July 14.
New 08/09/07
|
|
|
TV - DSN
"The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" episode
"A
Midsummer's Nightmare"
|
In one section of this Disney Channel show, in
an effort to improve the feng shui of the hotel lobby, the decor was orientalized.
Perhaps 7 or 8 bonsai were set up there, smaller ones on a table and larger ones on the
floor. Episode 48 airdate August 11. (Brought to RJB's attention by daughter
Raechel and wife Shirley.)
New 09/25/07
|
|
|
Internet - YouTube video
"Blossom
Trees and Bonsai"
|
A variety of trees indoors and on outdoor benches are seen after
the three minute mark of this four minute video by Moshihino.
New 11/05/06
|
|
|
2007
Warner Brothers movie
Music
and Lyrics |
In a few shots early on of Alex Fletcher(Hugh Grant)'s apartment kitchen near the window is what could be a small bonsai.
It is seen always out of focus, green foliage, a bowing crescent-shape over a triangle of light brown thin
branches into the trunk. (Think : a parachute.) It is in a thin pot, probably with some black
round rocks on top of the soil.
During the closing credits we finally see the tree in focus behind the two main characters
sitting at the kitchen table. The tree is a little larger than we initially thought.
In the Deleted Scene "Colin Calls," we see the tree briefly at the right edge
of the scene that takes place in the kitchen and then between Alex and Sophie (Drew Barrymore). The tree is revealed
to be a bright green juniper in a blue glazed pot.
(Released in USA February 14.)
New 02/08/08
|
|
|
TV - ING Direct Commercial
"Adventures on the Road to
Happiness (Yoga TV)"
|
In April on the History Channel we saw this ad. On the
outside patio of a spa -- as seen from the inside and behind the spokesman -- there is a zig-zagging
conifer bonsai in a deep, dark blue pot. The tree has at least five foliage pads. The last
shot of the tree is from above.
New 08/09/07
|
|
|
TV - FOX
"House"
episode
"Resignation"
|
In an opening sequence of this May 8 episode, Addie (Lyndsy Fonseca) is sparing with someone in a martial art's dojo.
Behind her and mostly out-of-focus is a small possibly juniper bonsai in a relatively large square blue pot
resting on a shelf next to a picture (of the dojo's sensei/founder?).
New
08/09/07
|
|
|
TV - Priceline.com Commercial
"The Iron Hand Hotel Rate Chop"
|
This ad was seen on June 18. At least one bonsai is
to the back left behind William Shatner, who is performing exaggerated martial arts moves in an
Asian garden setting.
New 08/09/07
|
|
|
TV - FX
"Damages"
various episodes
|
In this TV series, "Patty Hewes (Glenn Close) has a bonsai on the sideboard in her office. It is shown
many times throughout the series." (Contributed by Julie Bolton, Australia,
in personal e-mail to RJB, Dec 3, 2007)
New 12/02/07
|
|
|