Getting in the grovve

Now that the year's started again (academic, of course), I'm trying to sort through my schedule and get into a groove. I've already figured out my food groove.
St. Lawrence market for veggies and fun stuff.
Chinatown for fruit and bargains.
Loblaws for mundo meats and basics.
Sunday is my day to cook, cook, cook.
I think I'm fully stocked for a couple weeks to come.

TIFF09 roundup

So, the festival is over. I mean, there could be an after-party or two still going on as I type this, but the main events are all over.

I ended up seeing ten films in total. In the order that I watched them:
1. Cracks
2. City of Life and Death
3. Frederick Wiseman Presents La Danse – Le Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris La Danse – The Paris Opera Ballet
4. Accident
5. Same Same but Different
6. Vengeance
7. Castaway on the Moon
8. Micmacs à tire-larigot
9. A Brand New Life
10. Melody for a Street Organ

I've spotted the least amount of stars this year. Other than the ones attending the screenings that I attended, I've only seen one: Colin Firth, and I wouldn't have realized it, unless someone hadn't pointed him out to me. He did look pretty ho-hum, although before knowing who he was, I did appreciate his jacket. It was structured and well-fitting. Good classic style, but trendy at the same time. I approve. Anyway, I digress. I didn't see any stars, but I don't think that I went out of my way to look for them. I'm definitely past that part of the festival. I didn't even go out of my way to join crowds in front of hotels or other events. I guess I'm over it.
I had a very mixed bag of movies this year. Sadly, none of my picks won at of the festival's awards. I'm bummed that Micmacs only got second runner-up for People's Choice. I can't complain much - I didn't vote.
I had a great time at this festival. Although I didn't have any marathon days with four screenings like last year (I learned my lesson), by the end of the week, my eyes were exhausted and before the intros began, I would try to catch a couple zzzzs in my seat. I spaced out my movies pretty well, but my schedule was a lot fuller this year with non-TIFF commitments.
Just like every other year, I've been impressed at how the festival is run, everyone's enthusiasm and how the city opens its arms to the world for ten days.
I'm looking forward to seeing some of the movies that I didn't get a chance to see at the festival in wide-release or special screenings and will be ready to purchase my TIFF10 ticket package upon their release!

Melody for a Street Organ

After a little bit of whiff-waffling, I ended up buying a ticket to the final film that I would see in this year's TIFF, Melody for a Street Organ.
The write-up did sound pretty good, and I'd originally wanted to select this movie as part of my ticket package, but the screenings conflicted with other commitments do I'd penciled it into my book just in case. This morning, although exhausted and needing more sleep, I hauled myself out of bed, bailed on my other commitment and went to the screening.
I guess I'm happy I did?
It was a weird movie. A very long one, and a little bit odd. I'm pretty sure that something was lost in translation as there were others who were laughing hysterically in parts that I really couldn't comprehend why they would be so funny. There is also a strong possibility that it just went over my head, as I often think that's the case when I don't "get" a film.
From the write-up, I knew that there wouldn't be a happy ending, it just kind of sucked to see the vignettes weave together in a way where there were so many opportunities for happy endings, just to be pulled away and crappy stuff happening to characters instead. I don't know if it was a piece to say, "yeah, sometimes life just sucks", or if it's supposed to be some kind of twisted humour. I don't know. There wasn't a Q&A or anything (mental note - for future festivals, pick all the ones that I really want to have Q&As for at the beginning of the festival, because most screening towards the end get the shaft).
Now, I don't know if this movie is typical of Russian movies, as I've never seen a Russian film before, but like I said, it was weird. There were many moments, where I understood how they fit into the storyline, but I just didn't understand why it was happening. Why was it important to tell those particular vignettes?
I was also surprised at the number of people who left in the middle of the screening. I don't think I've ever attended another film with this many people bailing part of the way through. Hmm, that can't be good.
Would I recommend this movie, sure. Not with the highest praise, but it was kinda interesting to watch.

- picture courtesy of www.tiff09.ca

A Brand New Life

Sadly, competing for the worst movie that I've seen this festival, I had high hopes for A Brand New Life. The write-up looked great, but the film didn't live up to it and the teaser clip. I mean, it's a really great premise, but the problem was that after a great start, the movie kind of plodded along, skimmed over some very important themes that could have and should have been further explored and ended before any good bits took place. This film could have brought so much more to the table, but didn't.
As you've probably realized, I'm usually pretty enthusiastic about films. Even if I don't love them, I try to find something positive, or at least don't focus on the negative. This one had some great young actresses and as I said before, had the makings of a great film, but didn't follow through. At part of the film, where I felt like great insight, or deeper emotions would be looked at, the moment passed and sigh, a disappointment.
This screening was the North American premiere (it has screened at Cannes) and although it was a small theatre, the show was sold out and they admitted as many rushers as they could (the line was obviously long), so I guess there was good interest in the film. I wonder what everyone else thought of the film. Director, Ounie Lecomte was on hand to introduce the film and perhaps due to a language barrier, her intro eluded to her wanting to chat with us after the fact to further discuss her film. That she wanted the film to speak for itself first before she did. The movie ended, many people still stayed in their seat (so I think I wasn't the only one who'd gotten that vibe), and no one appeared. I know I left the theatre disappointed. I don't think I've ever had such an instant indifference to a movie before. It really makes me wonder if I missed something.

- picture courtesy of www.tiff09.ca

Micmacs à tire-larigot

Hands down my favorite film of the festival, I can't believe that Micmacs almost didn't make my list. I don't know what I was thinking.
This movie had two screenings, one at Roy Thomson Hall and the other, which I attended, at Ryerson. I should have known that it's a big-billed film and why the heck wouldn't I want to see it?
Oh my gosh, this movie was amazing.
I find it hard to pick a favorite anything in life. Colour, artist, singer, actor, piece of music, type of food, etc. Out of all of the films that I've ever seen, I can confidently say that Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain is my favorite. That's how stand-out good it was. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet made both.
I love his whimsical style, his jokes, his attention to detail, his choice of music...everything. I love the actors and actresses that he reuses in his films (duh!, Dominique Pinon - among others), I love it all!
The film stars Dany Boon as Bazil (although, I would have loved to see the originally cast, Jamel Debbouze in the role, but M. Boon was truly excellent) whose father is killed by a landmine and he, himself gets shot by a stray bullet from a local arms manufacturer. Flashfoward to the present where he finds a new family in a form of a very motley crew, each with their own story and talents. Throw in a little Mission Impossible (M. Jeunet said so!) to Bazil's plan at revenge and voila, a hit movie.
At one point in the film, I actually thought that this was a film with a serious political message and although M. Jeunet (on-hand for a Q&A - wahoo!) admitted, that obviously, one could see a grand message, it's a ridiculous message to harp as it's clearly common sense, this film is a comedy. M. Jeunet made it sound like he'd whipped this film together in a short amount of time and had just pieced it together from notes of things that he wanted to put in movies and things that he enjoyed, and I suppose I can kind of see that as this movie just seems so much like, well, exactly what he likes to do in his movies. M. Jeunet told us that he had been creating a movie adaptation of Yann Martel's award winning book, Life of Pi, but his ideas required a ridiculous budget and so he turned his attention away from that proposed film and seemingly threw this film together.
This is the first screening that I've attended that gave a standing ovation to the director and of course it was well-deserved.
So, it's clear that I loved the movie. I really need to watch Delicatessen. Obviously, I would highly recommend this film and I hope it wins some kind of recognition. If not, I hope that at least one gazillion people watch it. And if they don't laugh out loud, there's something wrong with them. Bonus part for me, I got to practice my French comprehension again. See, there's nothing bad about this film!

- picture courtesy of www.tiff09.ca

Castaway on the Moon

One of my favorite films of the festival that I've seen, Castaway on the Moon is a Korean film that it quite well-written up here.
The film was reminiscent of Cast Away even down to a Wilson moment. The story on the island was heart-warming, funny and examined some very insightful themes.
The difference from Cast Away and this film was the element of the girl on the mainland. It was not one of those feature film love stories by any means, but a chance to watch the personal journey of two tortured individuals.
I'm not entirely happy with the ending of the movie, but I don't know how it could have been improved. I think I would have liked there to be another 15 minutes to see what happens next. I'm not the type who likes to guess the futures of fictional characters. Filmmakers, you've taken me this far - why leave me dangling? Everything was spot on, but it stopped too early. That's what I've decided.
Sadly, there was no one on hand to represent the film and so there was no further insight into the film.
Can you tell it's near the end of the festival? My reviews are getting shorter and shorter. It's been a wonderful experience, but the combination of watching all of these films and living my life - I'm exhausted.
I would highly recommend this film. It was grrrrrrreat!

- picture courtesy of www.tiff09.ca

Vengeance

Vengeance is a Hong Kong action flick with Triad members chasing each other and crazy shooting scenes.
The movie stars Johnny Hallyday, who is perfect for the role. That steely glare and hardened face made him so believable as a father seeking vengeance for his daughter whose family was brutally attacked by the Triad. Hallyday's character journeys from Paris (I enjoyed having the chance to keep my French skills sharp) out to HK where he is surrounded by a foreign world. Seeking out the help of a group of Triad members, we watch the story of Vengeance unfold. You should probably read TIFF's write-up here.
I've never seen any movies by director, Johnnie To, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I really liked this movie. Some of the fighting scenes were overly graphic, but I thought it really worked with the movie. And the fight scenes weren't just about guns and guts, they were quite artistic and like a well choreographed dance.
Not only Hallyday was cast well. The group of Triad members that he hired were great. I've seen a couple HK movies back in the day, and they always included a funny, fat guy. This movie was no exception.
The Q&A with To was great, and not just because To had great answers. Moderator, Colin Geddes did an outstanding job at adding in great anecdotes about the HK film industry, To and his crew and getting everyone in the theatre in the spirit of the movie. I'm told that he's the guru of Midnight Madness movies, which I've never attended (because I'd probably fall asleep during one), but I'm re-thinking it, because I've never been so pumped to see a movie from the intro. Also, every time I've seen a movie at the Ryerson theatre, I always get a good vibe. This is probably because they tend to screen movies with buzz here.
Anyway, I liked this movie a lot. Two thumbs up!

- picture courtesy of www.tiff09.ca

Same Same but Different

Same Same but Different was one of the movies that I knew for sure that I wanted to watch. I thought the storyline was sweet and I enjoyed David Kross' performance in The Reader. The movie is based on a true story. Here's the short of it: German boy goes to Cambodia for a party trip and falls in love with a local girl. He returns back to Germany, but stays loyal to his love, sending money and keeping in touch via phone calls and webcams. Lo and behold, the pair find out that the girl is HIV positive and the story of their relationship continues.
The movie didn't disappoint. It was very heartwarming. I thought Kross and lead actress Apinya Sakuljaroensuk were great in their roles. They seemed to fit their characters perfectly. In the Q&A, it was clear how challenging the movie must have been for Sakuljaroensuk as a non-English speaker and starring in the movie with three languages. The director, Detlev Buck, was particularly spunky and the audience was really excited to see the two lead actors.
I wanted this movie to be this year's Slumdog Millionaire, and although I really did enjoy the movie, I'm not sure that it's capable of being the next supernova hit. I feel like it had all the right ingredients, great location, great actors, cute love story, not overtly Hollywood, but something about it didn't leave me as gaga as Slumdog did. I can't quite put my finger on it. When I walked out of the theatre, I think I knew what it was, but let's just say that it's been a whirlwind of a week and as I'm reaching the end of the festival, and trying to reminisce about the movie...well, crap, I don't remember what that thing was. That, and I have a bad memory.
I would highly recommend this movie. I know I'm not really selling it, but I swear, it's a great movie. Boy, I'm exhausted.

- picture courtesy of www.tiff09.ca

Accident

Accident is a movie where a crew of hitmen create their hits to look like accidents. One of their hits goes wrong and throws the boss of the group into a mental tizzy.
The main reason I liked the movie was because I got to see the hits take place and I thought it was cool to see what kind of accidents they created and the little considerations that they made to make sure that they wouldn't be found out. I enjoyed the whole film and the themes and arc of the movie, although I can't say that it was original or anything really mindblowingly amazing. It was a good movie, but not the best movie I've ever seen.
On hand for the Q&A (through an interpreter) was director Soi Cheang, who did a sufficient job of answering questions posed by the audience. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...I really like the Q&As, because as a pretty literal audience member, I like to hear the rationale behind different elements to the film and get a better understanding of the film. I'm pretty sure a lot of things that the directors intend in their films go over my head, so it's nice to have a chance to get a eureka moment (albeit, after the fact).
Sure, I'll recommend this film. Nothing crazy original, but a good, clean, HK flick.

- picture courtesy of www.tiff09.ca

Frederick Wiseman Presents La Danse – Le Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris La Danse – The Paris Opera Ballet

The first Rush for me of the festival, I waited in line to snag a ticket to the only showing of La Danse – Le Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris. I'm not sure why there was only one showing of this film - I mean, if it's some special film and had a gala screening of it somewhere, fine, but this was just a plain, old documentary.
This documentary was part of the Maverick's series, as the filmmaker, Frederick Wiseman is apparently famous in his circles. Sorry for not being educated about such things.
It was a long documentary. I felt like I was going to nod off for a little bit in the middle, but I survived. My problem with the film is that while it let me watch some great dancing and be a fly in the wall of the company during rehearsals and admin meetings, I didn't get any over-aching message from the film. I'm getting the feeling that Mr. Wiseman's films are kind of like that, but for my personal taste, I would like there to be a little bit continuity behind the different scenes.
The Q&A was an extended section where there was a small interview portion with Mr. Wiseman before the floor was given to different audience members. No revelations here. Someone asked about the clips of the city of Paris which were used to connect the sections about the company, and I understand how it's a nice way to situate yourself in the city where the company lives and give a literal journey between different locations where the company performs, but I don't necessarily think that it was very effective, nor elicited any deeper, thought provoking moments.
Would I highly recommend this documentary? Probably not, unless you love dance and just want to see the goings on in a famous ballet company.

- picture courtesy of www.tiff09.ca

More TED-talks

I don't know why, but I teared up on this one.
I had actually considered applying to attend the TEDxTO event, but due to various reasons, the application didn't get completed.

Gross

At this very moment, my building is overflowing with trashy, young, drunken fools. Ugh. Maybe I would have a higher tolerance if I didn't have to police it for three years.

City of Life and Death

City of Life and Death is a feature film about the Rape of Nanking. You can read more about the film here.
I'm not able to express how I feel about the film, although I can say that I'm glad that I watched it. It was obviously a very heavy movie, and in simple terms, I suppose it would be similar to a Jewish person watching the Oscar winning film, Schindler's List, however you want to take that statement.
The film seemed to continue and continue, but I think that it was just that one story would be complete, you felt like you had a sufficient picture of the events and then Lu Chuan would begin another story shedding light on another angle to the events of the massacre. This is not to say that he looks at all angles and all with the same amount of depth, but those stories that he decided to tell were carefully selected and other parts which, to me are inherently understood and potentially unbearable to watch more of were treated with care. It was obvious, and as discussed in the film's subsequent Q&A with Lu Chuan that there was a full comprehension to the events that took place. I don't think that there was an attempt to deny certain aspects of the massacre and even decisions such as choosing to film in black and white were made to convey emotions and truths the the events that took place.
The film did extremely well in wide-release in China, although understandably so, with a level of controversy. I was most impressed with Lu Chuan's Q&A and his ability to speak about his film, his intents, meanings and aspirations. He managed to turn some absolutely useless comments/questions into moments of insight and expressed his wishes to further explore humanity. Congratulations.
I would highly recommend this film, although pleading with some to keep an open mind and cautioning others that the subject matter may be too difficult to handle.

*postscript - funkaoshi is more eloquent than I am*

- picture courtesy of www.tiff09.ca

Cracks

Behold, my first movie of the Toronto International Film Festival 2009, Cracks.
This movie takes place in 1934 at an all-girls boarding school in the UK. It is a very tightly run ship, where the girls are kept separate from the outside world but go through the motions of learning how to be a proper lady. The girls in the school are divided up into small teams (sort of like houses, a la Harry Potter) and the film focuses on the story of the house led by lead girl, Di Radfield (played by Juno Temple - amazing) and under the tutelage of the fabulous Miss G (played by Eva Green - smoldering, she was a Bond girl, afterall). We watch the development of the girls, their devotion and awe of Miss G and learn about life in their school setting. Add to the mix, a Spanish aristocrat, Fiamma (played by María Valverde - elegant) which uncovers a new understanding to each of the members of the team.
This was the first feature film by Jordan Scott (daughter of Ridley Scott) and I really enjoyed it. Of course there was an immediate interest in the film due to the subject matter, but I found the cinematography, location, script, and ensemble cast to be a wonderful combination which made really love the film.
Jordan Scott was on hand for the a Q&A which was unfortunately, uninspiring due to the types of questions that were asked - there were a lot of useless statements that were made as well. I suppose I cannot complain too much as I didn't attempt to ask a question. Ms. Green, Temple (looking great in a 1920s inspired dress) and Valverde (looking absolutely overwhelmed) were also in attendance and made a brief appearance on stage during the introduction of the film, but refused to come up during the Q&A.
It was an intense film, but I obviously really enjoyed it.
Oh, I must mention the venue. the screening took place at the Winter Garden Theatre, which I had never been to before. It is a wonderfully old theatre and has great character, and quite comfortable seats. A balcony, along with grand boxes to the side and I'm really hoping that I can watch a stage performance in the theatre in the future, say, Billy Elliot with the Tony Award winning cast in tow? One can always dream.
One movie down, and off to a great start!

- picture courtesy of www.tiff09.ca

TIFF09

It's coming. I can feel it. I can see it.
People from the industry are in town and I start my movie watching on Friday.
I am seeing at least 8 films this year and I can't wait to find out how great my picks turn out to be.
Wheeeeeee!

OVO

Just got home from seeing Cirque du Soleil's most recent show, OVO.
Of course, it was a fantastic show.
We lucked out and got front row tickets. For some, this may not be the
best, as for the high flying acts, you would have to crane your necks back, but for me, I would rather be closer to the stage to be able to see the wonderful costuming and make-up that the company offers.
My favorite acts of the night were the foot juggling/Icarian games, slackwire, diabolos and the aerial trapeze. I was most looking forward to the wall, and although it was really athletic and different from any acts that I've seen before, it didn't quite impress me as much as I would have liked. That's not to say that it wasn't impressive or anything.
The characters were very cute. As I said before, having a front row seat really let us soak up the portrayal of the characters by the different artists. To see their faces and every single movement was unbelievable. I couldn't believe the detail on their costumes.
Cirque always puts on a great show. What I love is how seamlessly the show is run. There wasn't as much narrative tying together this show compared to the other shows that I've seen before, but I did feel like that took away from the production. The acts just seem to start out of thin air, and it's clear that the order of acts is carefully thought out so that it builds towards the intermission and finale of the show. The music is of course wonderful and the musicians are very much part of the show as well. OVO combines the traditional style of Cirque music with a Brazilian twist. One other part of the the production that always amazes me is the smooth changes between acts, especially the set changes, or should I say, apparatuses changes. It's all carefully choreographed and the artists are always in character. Ropes and pulleys are attached, and bars and wires appear out of nowhere. There are always checks for safety, you can see the stagehands efficiently working. It is a very well-oiled machine.
Oh yes, I must mention one other thing that comes with sitting in the front row. The possibility that you get picked out of the audience for something. Tonight, I had my own moment in the spotlight. I wasn't pulled onstage, but I had all eyes on me for a smidge of an act. A little growl, a hip swivel - that is the risk you run by attending a Cirque show.
It was a wonderful evening out - I think my mouth was open for the better part of the show. Cirque never ceases to impress me. Total awe.
Of course, I highly recommend the show. I would highly recommend any Cirque show.

Terry Fox park

Okay, so one pile of dirt that I've been staring at for two years from my place has turned into a park. I wonder what the other pile of dirt is going to be and when.

I want to be a part of it...

New York, New York.
In Manhattan and using the free internet in the Apple Store, Meatpacking District.
Had bite-sized cuppy-cakes for breakfast this morning and hoping to catch a show on Broadway tonight.
Ready to drool over designer goods in the boutiques and showrooms now.
Will post more upon return.