November 17th
The Rescue
Italian Film Festival - in Melbourne - 19 Nov - 12 December
Melbourne Queer Film Festival - 18 - 29 November
Japanese Film Festival - in Melbourne 18 Nov - 5 December
We are inundated with film festivals. Three start this week in Melbourne, including the Italian and the Japanese which are ongoing in other states. Plus an inspiring doco on the rescue of the Thai soccer team from the flooded caves (not to be confused with other films dealing with the same topic). All the films from the festivals come highly recommended!
The Rescue
Dir: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
Length: 114 mins
 |
© Madman - people said it was impossible -
rescuers proved them wrong |
In 2018 the entire world became galvanised by a dramatic news story. 12 young Thai boys from a soccer team and their coach had wandered into a cave system and become trapped by rising flood waters due to the monsoon rains. So began one of the most daring rescues, involving thousands of people from around the world. How do you make a documentary film of an event that has already happened, and during a pandemic when you can't travel to the location? Amazingly, the filmmakers got their heads around all of this, and have come up with a much-awarded doco that is thrilling, engrossing, and inspiring - despite us already knowing the outcome. Amazingly and fortuitously, it turned out that the Thai Navy SEALS had taken 87 hours worth of footage. This, combined with reenactments, interviews with participants, and carefully constructed maps of the cave system all combined to create a movie showing the gargantuan rescue effort from everyone's point of view. Including of course the now famous Aussie Dr Richard Harris, cave diver and anaesthetist, responsible for the audacious plan of sedating the boys so they could be swum out of the cave. This is a film-making project par excellence, shining a light on the (very scary) sport of cave diving and on two English proponents who were instrumental in plotting the rescue. The film feels so inclusive, and is a shining testament to what can happen when humanity, self-sacrifice, determination, global cooperation and bravery come together.4 - highly recommended
ST ALi Italian Film Festival
Melbourne: 19 November until 12th December
At Melbourne's 8 Palace cinemas
Yes, I know I reviewed it when it opened interstate, but let's refresh your memory, as this long-awaited festival finally opens in Melbourne. Always a showcase of magnificent films from Italy, this year's festival features a Roberto Rossellini retrospective, with a restored version of the classic Rome, Open City as the closing night movie. Another couple of interesting retro films are Marriage Italian Style and Visconti's The Leopard. As always, the festival features award winners, including Nanni Moretti's Three Floors and To Chiara, which won the Director's Fortnight prize at Cannes. To see the five films I reviewed on 22nd October go to:
Plus I add an extra, previewed at the media launch.
To Chiara: A nominee for the numero uno award at Cannes (Grand Prix), this film is set in Calabria, opening with the lavish 18th birthday party of Guilia, Chiara's big sister. Chiara and her father Claudio adore each other, but soon enough the 15-year-old discovers what her father does to create the family's wealth. Director Jonas Carpignano has cast an actual entire family to help create the powerful sense of bonding and connection, and it works a treat as we feel drawn totally into their world. There is no sense of judgment; more just an exploration of what it means for this young, strong-willed girl to have her world turned upside down. The film employs a lot of close-up camera work to draw viewers in, while the constant undercurrent of unease and danger makes for tense viewing. Moral and philosophical question underpin the narrative, but are never laboured, while young Swamy Rotolo is a revelation as Chiara.
Japanese Film Festival
Melbourne: November 18th - December 5th
Showing at ACMI and Palace Kino
It's the 25th anniversary of the Japanese Film Festival with a fabulous selection of features spanning many genres. Here's a few I've previewed, all most worthy contenders, to whet your appetite.
Sumodo: If, like me, you always thought sumo wrestling was just about super fat guys pushing each other about, this highly-acclaimed doco should set you straight on the skill and tradition behind Japan's national sport. The film follows the lives of two particular wrestlers, tracking their gruelling training regime and the many contests they enter, until they face each other in the ring. The ancient sport has much ritual and elements of Shinto religion in it, and the wrestlers are revered. The film is an intriguing insight into a way of life and the finer details of the sport (not to mention what they have to eat to achieve those bodies!)
Hokusai: Many people know the renowned woodblock print of The Great Wave off Kanagawa (see poster, left), but know nothing of the artist who created it. Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) lived in Japan at the time of the Tokugawa Shogunate, a repressive regime that saw the arts as something corrupt and immoral. This film traces the life of the artist, alternating perspectives of him as a young, arrogant hot-head, through to his old age, as he struggles to continue creating. As a study of an artist and of the socio-political life in Japan there is plenty of interest here.
Satoshi Kon: The Illusionist: Fans of Japanese animation will revel in this biographical film looking at the life and work of a man considered to be one of the greatest animators ever. Dying at 46 of cancer, Kon only produced four feature films, but they all are in a league of their own, dealing with such weighty themes as fame and obsession. The French director of this film interviews fans, along with renowned movie people who have been heavily influenced by Kon's work. Seeing this made me want to track down all four films and watch them, and as a long time fan of Studio Ghibli work, I relished getting an alternate insight into Japanese anime.
Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes: I'm not a huge fan of Japanese comedy, but this zany film is both creative and funny. It's also one of those sci-fi time loops that can do your head in! A young man living above his own cafe discovers that a TV screen downstairs can show what is happening in the future - but only two minutes ahead. Other characters get involved, and as they rush up and down stairs, attempting to mirror screens into infinity, things get crazier by the minute. The action is non-stop, and while on one level the film's basic premise is simple, the whole things turns into a convoluted and challenging idea, that is both fun and thought-provoking. Apparently it was shot in one take on an i-phone!
The Deer King: This animated feature film is directed by two men who once worked at Studio Ghibli, and it shows in the beautiful painterliness of the animation. The story is complex, layered, and has some eerie resonance for today's world. The hero, Van, is a man who fought oppressors, escaped prison and rescued young Yuna who he takes as his daughter. Meantime, people are trying to combat a killer disease spread by wolves, and a young doctor is charged with finding a cure. The movie works on macro-levels of lofty themes of war, imperialism, and science versus ignorance, but also has an intimacy with relationship and family themes. You'll need to concentrate on the rich plot, but it's a rewarding and beautiful watch.
The Fable: Based on a manga (Japanese graphic novel,) this is the story of a hitman, ordered by his boss to take a year off, under threat of death if he kills anyone. A somewhat crazy mish-mash of many genres, the film combines humor, romance, high-powered action and general mayhem. Though I couldn't totally grasp the plot, what with yakuza, computer nerds and more, it made for entertaining viewing. The lead actor especially, along with an impressive female lead character in a wheelchair, lifts it above the mundane.
Melbourne Queer Film Festival
Melbourne: 18 - 29th November
ACMI, Nova, Village Shepparton & Ballarat; Jam Factory
For all times, venues, films and bookings, visit: mqff.com.au
Every year I encourage you all, wherever you sit along the gender spectrum, to check out this festival. There is something for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation - the themes reflect issues that affect the lives of all human beings, and it's a chance to catch ground-breaking films that usually don't get a mainstream release. And this year you can go to cinemas or watch from the comfort of your lounge-rooms. Here's a selection I recommend:
Finlandia: One of the most visually stunning films I've seen in a long time, Finlandia is set in Oaxaca, Mexico, among a community known as Muxes, people born as men, who present as women, and are even considered a third gender (like the Hijras in India). A young clothing designer Marta is sent over from Spain to be inspired by (think steal) the clothing ideas from the Muxes, who are famed for their glorious colorful fabrics and innovative designs. There are many plot threads to this film - the prejudice of locals towards the muxes, and of a father towards his son, the touching friendship developed between Marta and one of the muxes, a young boy's search for his identity, and a mystical wall of rock they all go to to weep and divest themselves of sorrows. Not to mention the ever-present threat of earthquakes. The vibrant color, contrasted with desert stark landscapes and sublime lighting makes for a visual treat while the emotional impact of the tight-knit is paramount.
See You Then: At a mere 75 minutes, this film packs a real punch. Naomi meets up with Kris ten years after the couple have broken up. Kris, her then boyfriend of three years has since transitioned to a woman, while Naomi has married and had two children. The two walk, talk, dine and reminisce, and inevitably recriminations and regrets surface, plus some life-shattering revelations. This is a superbly performed, naturalistically scripted two-hander with many issues raised that all of us can relate to, regarding decisions made that affect one's life for ever. A fascinating article on Pooya Mohseni, the Iranian trans woman who plays Kris:
Seyran Ates - Sex, Revolution and Islam: This inspiring and important doco introduces us to a Turkish-born woman who now lives in Germany and is a lawyer. She is also one of the first female imams in Europe, running her own mosque with a philosophy on non-segregation between men and women, and welcoming to people of all sexual persuasions. Seyran believes Islam must change from within to defeat extremism and sexism, and for her pains she lives with death threats and under constant police protection. As we trace Seyran's journey we also meet female imams from China, and learn of Seyran's ongoing work not only in liberalising Islam, but in combating violence against women and for the rights of sex workers and LGBTQI communities. Excellent viewing.
A Distant Place: Jin Woo works on a remote sheep farm in Korea, while also raising 4-year-old Seol. The locals in the closed community are not aware that Jin Woo is gay. Life goes smoothly until his lover Hyun Min turns up, closely followed by Jin Woo's twin sister. Their presence threatens to turn his world upside down. This is understated, emotionally powerful film-making, with nuanced scripting, and pitch-perfect acting from all (especially the little child playing Seol). Cinematography makes exquisite use of broad sweeping landscapes, as well as telling close-ups of the characters. This is the sort of powerful film-making about human emotion and struggle that really stands out.
Fanny: The Right to Rock: I love music docos and this one ticks all the boxes. A pair of sisters who moved from the Philippines to California founded the group Fanny in their teens. From the late 60s to the mid 70s, the band played hard-driving rock, but were constantly referred to in a sexist manner, as if men had all the rights to play this style of music, and women had none. They had a couple of big hits, then disbanded. But in 2016, now nearly into their seventies, the women re-formed a new band, recording and performing live, despite one of them having had a stroke. This is the sort of uplifting story that can inspire women, especially older women, to just "go for it". Terrific commentary from the likes of Bowie's lead guitarist and rocker Bonnie Raitt add to the film's interest.
Tove: Tove Jansson
(Almo Poysti) will be known to lovers of the Moomin children's books as their
author. But her rich life involved so much more, both personally and
artistically. This wonderful Finnish/Swedish co-production begins in 1945 in
Helsinki, where Tove aspires to be a painter, lives a Bohemian life, takes a
married lover, and subsequently has a passionate lesbian love affair with
theatre director Vivica. All the while her Moomin books are developing, as is
her need to discover her independence and her true self. Fine dramatic fare, deserving
of its many awards and nominations. The Goddess of Fortune: A top pick of mine from last year's Italian Film Festival, is
this award-winning film from director Ferzan Ozpetek (I adored his
2003 film Facing Windows). Boasting a stellar cast of Italy's top
actors, it is the story of long-term partners Arturo (Stefano Accorsi) and
Alessandro (Eduardo Leo), whose lives are disrupted when old friend Annamaria
(Jasmine Trinca) reappears in their lives. Jealousies, disruptions, parental
longings, and family secrets abound in this warm, witty delightful film that
features terrific performances from all, including the kids.
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