Why R-rated true stories are likely to make movie magic

NEW YORK: Just what makes movie magic? A psychology professor has done a statistical study of thousands of films to determine what makes them critical darlings or box-office hits. Films that earn awards and praise from reviewers tend to be R-rated and based on a true story or a prize-winning play or novel, says psychology professor Dean Simonton at the University of California, Davis.

Life Culture

Indonesia Special

Hino grows with nation

After a quarter of a century in Indonesia, the Hino Motors operation there has become a key component in the multinational's global production network.

Voksel gains from systematic restructuring

Since taking over in 2004 as CEO of PT Voksel Electric Tbk, one of Indonesia's leading cable manufacturers, Ferry Tjandrawinata has dramatically turned around the company's fortunes by putting together a task force that implemented a systematic restructuring plan over the span of one year.

Growing in the right direction

For Bakrie Sumatera Plantations, being one of Indonesia's largest natural rubber producers brings with it the serious responsibility of providing customers with high-grade materials, while balancing concerns over bottom lines and environmental protection.

A robust year bodes well for Bumi Resources

As oil prices rise, businesses are looking to other forms of energy.

Building a solid banking foundation

Strongly optimistic about the future of Indonesia's banking sector, Jakarta-based Bank Bukopin, founded in 1970, intends to build on past successes to become a dependable financial institution ready to serve customers throughout the country.

PT Berlina packaging its way to success

Indonesia-based PT Berlina Tbk established the Hefei Paragon Plastic Packaging Co Ltd in China's Anhui province in 2004 to supply bottle packaging for one of its biggest clients - Unilever China. The move drastically reduced transport costs and ensured on-time delivery.

Life Travel

Faces you won't forget

As the first rays of sunlight reach the maze of old houses in Kashgar, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the city gradually wakes up as the chanting of the Quran is heard from the mosque. Small alleys begin to pulse with merriment - vendors shouting, housewives chatting and children laughing. Local Muslim Uygurs who have lived in the city for generations start a new day as usual.

Where man and beast are not Poles apart

KOLOBRZEG, Poland: The yellow eyes peer out of the darkness and only hours after enjoying a meal of freshly grilled woodland mushrooms, the holidaymakers find themselves gripped by fear. Man and beast stare at each other for a while until the fox decides the situation is harmless and breaks into a leisurely trot.