Hursto's five minute films: October 2020

Wednesday 28 October 2020

October 29th

Korean Film Festival - FREE online

Indian Film Festival - more reviews - plus closing night

BREAKING NEWS; First Stage cinema re-openings at outdoor venues

It's all about online festivals again this week. A last chance to catch some fine docos from the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, plus the closing night film from 6pm tomorrow. And to add to our enjoyment, we now have the Korean Film Festival, also free online, but with strict scheduling/viewing times, so check it out, and don't miss out.

Korean Film Festival of Melbourne

29th- October - 5th November

Streaming FREE online

https://www.koffia.com.au

Not only have we had the joy of watching the Indian Film Festival FREE online, now the 11th Korean Film Festival arrives. With all the success of films such as Parasite, Burning and Shoplifters, you probably are already familiar with the high quality of Korean filmmaking, so organise yourself for the forthcoming week. One thing to note is that there is a schedule, with films only playing once. So read up and prepare what you want to catch, make yourself a calendar, and start watching WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF FILM'S START.

As always I've been lucky to catch a few and highly recommend all that I've seen.

Forbidden Dream: This historical drama set in the 1400s, is the true story of a friendship between a Korean prince, and a humble servant. Both share a love of astronomy, and spend time inventing and building clever instruments to measure star patterns, time, and even to create a new alphabet. Because Korea was under the rule of the Chinese empire, most of these things were forbidden, but the broad-thinking prince wanted a better life for his people and so pursued his vision at great cost. The film is beautifully shot, and there is an unexpected depth of emotion to this fascinating story.

Bring Me Home: This is the story of a mother's search for her missing son. After years, when she thinks all hope is lost, she hears of a boy matching the description working at a fishing village. The harrowing film has disturbing themes of child abuse, parental grief, and corrupt police, but it is wonderfully made, with top-shelf performances, especially from the actors playing the mother and the young boy.

An Old Lady: In the era of hyper awareness of abuse of elders and women, here's a double whammy, dealing with the rape of 69-year-old Hyo-Jeong by a much younger nursing aide. The cops refuse to believe such a thing could happen, and the nurse claims the sex was consensual. Only her friend Dong-In stands steadfastly by her side, demanding justice. Rejecting any sensationalism, the film quietly looks at issues of age-ism, and how to get a life back on track after experiencing such a horrific crime. Again wonderful performances in an important story.

Indian Film Festival of Melbourne - more

On for another two nights

Streaming FREE online

https://www.iffm.com.au/films.php

Yes, I know I brought this festival to you last week, but you still have time to catch some of these fine documentaries that I've been bingeing on this week. PLUS, from 6pm to midnight, tomorrow 30th October you can stream the closing night film MOOTHON, India's entry for the 87th Academy Awards. (I'll be watching for sure - it sounds terrific!) It gives a complex, multi layered portrait of Mumbai through the eyes of a young boy who comes to the city to search for his missing elder brother.

Now a few more to catch if you can:

The Accused: Damned or Devoted: A look at the extremist religious right in Pakistan, and how their hatred leads them to persecute people under the Blasphemy Law. If ever there was a testament to the horrors of religious fanaticism, this is it.

Kingdom of Archers: Do you know anything of the mountain kingdom of Bhutan? I knew little, but after this fine doco, focusing upon the Bhutanese love of archery, I'm a bit more enlightened. Fascinating look at a way of life that is struggling to preserve itself.

Siang Voices: This intriguing doco also looks at preserving traditional lives, this time the indigenous Adi people of the far-eastern region of Assam. Under threat from nearby China wanting to build monstrous dams, plus the usual pressures of encroaching modernity, the people speak about their commitment to their traditions and language.

Dwelling in Travelling: Calcutta used to have a moderately sized community of Jews but now only 17 remain. The film carefully traces the past and people who lived there in their youth share nostalgic memories of what it was like to be a Jew in India. We also get to see the remaining synagogues and the Jewish school - now a Muslim girls school, where kids sing multi-faith songs, including traditional Hebrew ones. Who said there has to be constant enmity?

And now for an exciting announcement:

This comes from a breaking email I've just received from the Cinema Pioneers:

The FIRST STAGE of reopening the Cinema Industry in Victoria - closed due to Covid-19 - happens tonight with the opening of OUTDOOR VENUES including Drive-Ins and Rooftop Cinemas.
For the hardtops throughout Victoria, the wait continues for several more weeks as Covid-19 numbers stabilise and the Government deems it safe for those venues to open.
Here in Victoria, there are only 3 Drive-In's left in operation with those being the Village 3 Drive-In in Coburg, The Lunar 4 Drive-In in Dandenong, and the Dromana 3 Drive-In in Dromana.
As well as these locations, there are also Rooftop Cinemas that are also allowed to open from tonight, including The Lido in Hawthorn, The Cameo in Belgrave and The Classic in Elsternwick.
It must be stated that each venue opening up from tonight has their own strict Covid Safe procedures in place for the health and safety of all customers as well as staff, and that these procedures must be followed at all times.

Thursday 22 October 2020

October 23rd

Honest Thief

Indian Film Festival - https://www.iffm.com.au/films.php

Lovers of all things Indian, especially the films, have a huge treat in store in the forthcoming week. Here's my impressions of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, so far. Plus for fans of action man Liam Neeson, a new movie hits our screens.

Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

23-30th October

Streaming FREE online

https://www.iffm.com.au/films.php

Huge news: this year, due to all the COVID dramas, fans of Indian cinema will be able watch a smorgasbord of fabulous Indian film, streaming online for free for one week. Thee are 60 films, in 17 languages, and including 34 international premieres. Apart from the two opening night films which must be watched from 6.30 tonight, Friday 23rd October, the rest are available for the following week, on demand. There are five program streams:

Hurrah Bollywood - best mainstream Hindi cinema

Beyond Bollywood - arthouse cinema in regional Indian languages

Films from the Subcontinent - Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal

Film India World - films that cross international boundaries

Documentary - 8 new documentaries

Opening night:

Two important films will address issues of gender equality and disability.

Natkhat: To change the behaviour of men we need to bring boys up differently. This short film looks at little Sonu, known as "the brat", who bullies girls at school and models himself upon gangs of macho boys who will grow up to be the sort of loathesome men who brutalise women. Sonu is initially treated like an overindulged little prince. One of India's most famed actresses Vidya Balan plays the mother, who tells her naughty child allegorical tales, combined with demonstrating to him how violence has hurt her, to turn his behaviour around.

Habaddi: This sweet film also addresses the issue of bullying, a worldwide problem for many kids, especially those with a disability. It is loosely based upon the director's experience of his adopted brother, who, despite his severe stammering, had a great knack for mending things. The film looks beautiful and is a window into the lives of poorer village people. Add in a sporting theme (Kabaddi is an Asian sport deriving from an ancient Indian sport), and a sweet childhood love theme, plus plenty of humour and pathos, and you have a worthy opening night watch.

Ladakh Chale Rickshawala: A fascinating doco, this follows the journey of a rickshaw driver from Calcutta who pursues his dream of travelling north to Ladakh. Over 65 days and 3000 kms he pedals, pushes and toils with his rickshaw to realise his dream. A great insight into parts of Indian not often seen in films.

Lorni the Flaneur: A strong recommendation from what I've been able to preview so far, this is set in far north-east India, an area with hugely diverse sub-cultures and ethnic minorities. Shem is a self-styled detective (flaneur means a saunterer who observes society) who is asked to investigate the theft of a culturally valuable object. He meets a mysterious young woman and life becomes complicated. This is a truly original film, generating a sense of detective noir, created by the film's visually impressive style along with atmosphere of the city of Shillong. An unusual and rewarding film to see.

YouTube masterclasses

Since June this year, IFFM has also been running some excellent master classes with leading film makers over Zoom. YouTube recordings of these classes are available under the tab IFFM film clubs. For true aficionados of Indian film, and filmmaking in general, this is a major bonus to be enjoyed.

Honest Thief

Dir: Mark Williams

Length: 99 mins

In conemas now (excluding Vic)

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG1X67vnYM0

Known as "the in and out thief", notorious (but never violent) bank robber Tom (Liam Neeson) meets Annie (Kate Walsh), the gal of his dreams. He decides to clear the slate, confess to the cops, hand back the money, serve a short jail term and start afresh. But the cops don't really believe his confession and send two of their stooges to investigate. They are corrupt, do a lot of bad things, and inflame in Tom a need for retribution. If you leave aside that the plot is somewhat unbelievable, and if you are a serious Neeson fan, then this should totally satisfy your craving for one of his typical action films, tinged with a healthy dose of romanticism. Neeson always does what he does well, but I'd love to see him show his acting chops in another Schindler-esque film rather than always take the pay cheque for the quick and easy action flick.

Wednesday 14 October 2020

October 15th

Totally Under Control

#Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump

The King

Italian FF goes online in Melbourne

Plus 2 small (but fine) mentions

Trump is in the firing line this week, with two amazing docos underscoring his unsuitability (what an understatement!) for his position. With Melbourne still on the couch, the Italian Film Festival and Palace Cinemas bring a pleasant surprise to our homes, and I discover some watching that you have probably all been onto long ago, but I reckon is worth a mention.

Totally Under Control
Dir: Alex Gibney, Ophelia Harutyunyan & Suzanne Hillinger
Length: 123 mins
Out now on Apple itunes
TRailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7ktU4WRfzM&feature=emb_title

© Neon - a cataclysm in the unfolding -
step by painstaking step
If you can stomach any more of Trump and his reprehensible goings on, this doco helmed by award-winning director Gibney (Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) is vital viewing. Even though we've all been living the history since the start of this year, there is something incredibly chilling about seeing all the facts laid out, step by step, point by point, as they happened. From the moment the virus was discovered and scientists and experts readied themselves for battle, the Trump administration blocked them at every turn. In this doco, many leading scientific players put their careers on the line to speak out about the debacle that has been the American government's response to this virus. The film was made in secret and is so current, the recent positive virus diagnosis for DT is even included before the film's credits roll. Gibney is a meticulous doco maker, packing as much info as possible into all his films, and obviously conducting painstaking research. The film should stand as a vital historical testament to the pandemic that has so far led to more than 216,000 American deaths and has showcased monumental governmental incompetence at every level. Some of the facts that emerge are so infuriating and distressing, you may wish to protect your viewing screen with a shatterproof cover, to stop you throwing heavy objects through it!

#Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump
Dir: Dan Partland
Length: 83 mins
Releasing on 19th October on DOCPlay
www.docplay.com
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=VEqqKwylXHg

© DocPlay - mental health professionals
give their verdict on POTUS.
We all know that many leaders have narcissistic traits. It often goes with the territory. But in this disturbing and eye-opening film, Trump is described as having malignant narcissism, characterised also by paranoia, antisocial behaviour and sadism. Many leading mental health professionals go on the record in this incredible doco, to explain the disorder, how Trump fits the diagnosis, and how many other deranged leaders in history, such as Hitler and Mussolini also fit the profile. Naturally, the fitness of the man to lead is under question, but the doco also ties in the themes of populism and the rise of "strongman" leadership styles that threaten democracy today. Unmissable watching.

St. Ali Italian FF goes online for Melburnians

15-21 October, tickets on sale NOW

Yes, I know I gave you the good oil on this a couple of weeks back, but the news is that, thanks to Palace Home Cinema, Melburnians can now enjoy a specially curated online festival, IFF Piccolo, launching on Thursday 15th October with the live-action version of Pinocchio. As well as rerunning my review of The Goddess of Fortune, which I loved, I'm looking at a strong legal drama that's worth a peek.

For more info on the selection of comedy, drama and family features: www.italianfilmfestival.com.au

The Goddess of Fortune

A top pick and my high recommendation for the festival is this wonderful 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, infidelities, diverse views of parenthood, along with dark family secrets abound in this warm, witty delightful film that features terrific perfs from all, including the kids. There is a real humanity to many of the characters, and a sense of inclusiveness, where friendship can help smooth the path through life's challenges.

Ordinary Justice

Garnering two nominations at this year's Berlin FF, Ordinary Justice is an unusual courtroom drama on many levels. The case being tried is ethically ambiguous, in that the owner of a petrol shed has shot and killed a thief who robbed him. The other thief has been caught and is in the courtroom. Prosecuting and defending counsels' arguments are interesting grist for moral debate. More fascinating though is what happens in the corridor outside the courtroom. The teenage daughter of the accused sits and waits for hours, while the little daughter of the other thief is also left to sit and wait while her neglectful mother flits in and out of the courtroom. How the two girls begin to relate to each other is a slow-burn and intriguing journey.

The King
Dir: David Michod
Length: 140 mins
Streaming on Netflix

You've probably seen this award-winning film, but I've only just discovered it. Tyrannical King Henry IV (Ben Mendelsohn) dies and the throne goes to his drunken wayward son Hal (Timothee Chalamet). As King Henry V, the young man quickly mends his ways, becoming a respected leader, navigating court politics, and waging war on France. Notable is an audacious siege, followed by the Battle of Agincourt, in which the military strategy of Hal's only friend Falstaff (Joel Edgerton), is critical. I'm no great fan of history films, but this one is a winner, with a rare feeling of authenticity, in both character arcs and settings. Chalamet as the young king gives a brilliant central performance, with Edgerton winning an AACTA award for his empathetic and measured turn as Falstaff. Robert Pattinson as the Dauphin is also notable. Recreation of the era is fabulous, and the mud-mired battle scenes visceral and mesmerising. It's no surprise that the film also won awards for cinematography and costume design. Although not a strictly accurate retelling of history, with its basis in a Shakespeare trilogy of plays, this is fine viewing.

And another thing . . .

Well, two things actually. After the recent Emmy awards, I promised myself to check out why certain TV series have won their awards. I've been suitably rewarded with one great comedy (remembering comedy enjoyment is VERY subjective), and one powerful drama.

Schitts Creek
Length: 6 series - 13 episodes x 20 minutes each
Streaming on Netflix

If you loved Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara in Christopher Guest's films Best In Show, Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind, you'll probably be a fan of the dry yet whacky humour that abounds in this series. The Rose family lose all their wealth and end up living in a crappy motel in a town that they actually bought, years back, for a joke. How they adjust is the hilarious subject matter of the ongoing series. Under all the hilarity, it also flies the flag for inclusivity and kindness. I love it as a little circuit breaker in my day.

Succession
Length: 2 series - 10 episodes x 1 hr (approx) each
Streaming on Foxtel on Demand

Logan Roy (Brian Cox) heads up a media empire, akin to certain similar empires in real life. He and his four children negotiate, tyrannize, lie, betray, wheel-and-deal - do all the things that super-powerful and ultra-rich people can do if they lack morality, and a conscience. Casting is uniformly superb, with Aussie Sarah Snook a stand-out. I'm finding the plot, with its double dealings and venomous relationships, absolutely rivetting.

Wednesday 7 October 2020

October 8th

Miss Juneteenth

Lucky Grandma

Spree

Two of these three fine films will need you to be able to go to the cinema, so Melburnians will need to keep a list of those films I review that appeal to them for later viewing when cinemas reopen. But of course you've been doing this for the past 8 months, haven't you?

Miss Juneteenth
Dir: Channing Godfrey Peoples
Length: 103 mins
Cinematic release selected cinemas (excluding Victoria)

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC7ecoUdLqs

Billed as a "slice of black American life", this touching and poignant story depicts loving and hard-working mother, Turquoise Jones (Nicole Beharie) trying to help her daughter Kai (Alexis Chikaeze) become pageant queen, Miss Juneteenth, a title Turquoise held 15 years earlier. Pageant aspirations are the backdrop for the film's narrative; but it is more the story of family, struggles and inequalities for people of color in America, dreams and aspirations, and recognising that other people's dreams may not be what you hoped for them. The mother\daughter relationship is tenderly drawn and beautifully acted, and the narrative is gentle, believable and insightful.

Lucky Grandma
Dir: Sasie Sealy
Length: 97 mins
Cinematic release selected cinemas (excluding Victoria)

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sguLuk4Cr8

New York dwelling Grandma (Tsai Chin) is recently widowed and determined to live a little. Heading to the casino, she finds herself in a situation that attracts the attention of a local gang. So she hires a very large bodyguard Big Pong, and soon finds herself caught between the attentions of two rival gangs. On one level, this is a lightweight, fun tale featuring a wonderful central performance from Chin as the chain-smoking cantankerous granny. There is no condescension in the portrayal, and the film pays almost a homage to the strength and determination of older people. It's also a peek into the underbelly of Chinese New York, and a terrific opportunity to put the Chinese demographic front and centre.

Spree
Dir: Eugene Kotlyarenko
Length: 93 mins

Releasing: October 8- theatrically at The Ritz Randwick, Dendy Canberra, Dendy Newtown and Golden Age Cinema Sydney; October 8 – November 11 on PVOD with Foxtel and Stan;

November 25 – on digital: iTunes, Youtube Movies, Fetch, Microsoft Store, Google Play

Trailer: https://youtu.be/cX7V6j7-9_o

"If you're not documenting yourself you don't exist." So says Kurt Kunkle , (Joe Keery) ride-share driver and central character in this disturbingly relevant film - relevant to those obsessed with social media, and its pervasive presence in every moment of their lives. Desperate to get likes, hits and monetary donations, Kurt ups the ante on what takes place as he ferries those passengers unfortunate enough to get a lift with him. One of them is popular black comedian Jessie Adams (Sasheer Zamata),who becomes central to Kurt's ultimate big-time, live-stream share. I thought this film wasn't for me, but soon became really absorbed in this nasty tale of the damage social media addiction can wreak. Cleverly filmed, with simultaneous angles and oodles of social media responses to Kurt on the screen at once, this is part satire, part horror and part black comedy. It's a true salutary comment upon the regrettable state of being for some of today's young folk, as well as the "fake news" syndrome of what is true and what is not up there on our screens.