Manolete (2008)

Spain's infamous Torrero Manuel Rodríguez Sánchez -known as "Manolete"- is the focus for this biopic directed by Menno Meyjes. 
Manolete rose to prominence in the 1940's and fought in Spain as well as Mexico. Manolete's contributions to bullfighting include: '...standing very still while passing the bull close to his body and, rather than giving the passes separately, he was able to remain in one spot and link four or five consecutive passes together into compact series.' [1]


Unfortunately the script is pallid and the characters somewhat forgettable, otherwise the film is visually rather impressive. Details particularly worth noting: Penelope Cruz has a gold tooth; Adrien Brody, a little black Daschund.































[1] Wikipedia article on Manolete

Rugby World Cup 2011 Shots

Various photos posted on the Rugby World Cup 2011 Flickr that have caught my eye. 
Click on images for high resolution versions and source / more info
 



i. Ireland vs Italy: Pool C, Otago Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand 2/10/2011


ii. Ireland's scrum during the Australia v Ireland, 17/09/2011.


iii. Ireland vs USA: Pool C, Taranaki Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand 11/9/2011.


iv. Mike Tindall, England v Argentina, Pool B, Otago Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand 10/9/2011


v. Brian O'Driscoll with Taku Ngwenya: Ireland vs USA 2011 Rugby World Cup Pool C, Taranaki Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand 11/9/2011 


vi. Ireland's Donncha O'Callaghan during the Australia v Ireland match, 17/9/2011


vii. Kurtley Beale takes the high ball from Irish fullback Rob Kenny during the Australia v Ireland Pool C match. Saturday 17.10.2011


viii. Jamie Heaslip congratulates Sean O'Brien in the rain after he scored, Ireland v Russia, Rotorua. Rugby World Cup 2011, Pool C. 25/9/2011 


ix. Patriotic headgear; Taku Ngwenya. Ireland vs USA, Pool C, Taranaki Stadium, New Plymouth, New Zealand 11/9/2011


x. Richie McCaw in action during the All Blacks v Australia Semi Final match of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup. Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. 16/10/2011


xi. Richard Kahui tackles Quade Cooper during the All Blacks v Australia Semi Final match of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup. Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Sunday 16.10.2011


xii. Delon Armitage is bundled into touch, England vs Argentina, Pool B, Otago Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand 10/9/2011


xiii. Conor Trainor scores for Canada during the All Blacks v Canada pool A match of the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup at Wellington Regional Stadium, New Zealand on Sunday, 2/10/2011


xiv. Smiles after the game. Ireland vs Italy, Pool C, Otago Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand 2/10/2011


xv. Tonga smiles after beating France, France v Tonga, Wellington Regional Stadium 1/10/2011.