Hursto's five minute films: November 2022

Wednesday 23 November 2022

November 24th

Margrete Queen of the North

The Menu

Bones and All

Splice Here - limited screenings

Japanese FF now in Melbourne 30 Nov - 4 Dec

I hate to say it folks but these are all, once more, highly recommended films this week. From Scandi history, to film history, to gastronomy (of alternate forms), plus the best of Japanese film, it's all here for your delectation this week.

Margrete: Queen of the North

Dir: Charlotte Sieling

Length: 120 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7OCX98JgGk

In 1402 Queen Margrete (Trine Dyrholm) has managed an astonishing feat: she has united Norway, Denmark and Sweden into one peaceful union, ruling in concert with her adopted son Erik (Morten Hee Andersen). But plots are afoot, and a monumental one emerges, when her long dead son Olaf (Jakob Oftebro) turns up to claim the throne and create disharmony. Is he really Olaf or an imposter? Even for non-history buffs (like me) this is a terrific period piece, set in an era and place I know little about. In a patriarchal era (aren't they all?) it was significant that there was a woman so powerful, logical, compassionate and unifying in charge. Dyrholm rules the union and the screen in a towering performance that portrays a magnificent balancing act - doing what is right for her country against the instincts of a mother who is not certain that this is not actually her supposedly dead son. Beautifully shot and with such a strong central performance, this is strong Scandi viewing.

4 - highly recommended

The Menu

Dir: Mark Mylod

Length: 106 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z2nALl9A4g

Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes) heads up Hawthorne, an exclusive restaurant reached only by boat. There, immaculately constructed haute cuisine (think pretentious!) is served, accompanied by a sometimes sinister commentary from Chef. Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) and his date Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) are among a dozen or so cashed-up guests travelling to the island for a night's culinary indulgence. What they get far exceeds expectations. What a hoot of a film this is. Cleverly scripted, it lampoons and simply shreds notions of molecular gastronomy, depicting the culinary art, and those who salivate over it, as proponents of major wankerism! In fact all the guests except one at this particular evening's feast are guilty of something, ranging from adultery, overblown egos, damaging restaurant reviews, fiddling the books and more. Fiennes is a master actor and, as to be expected, excels in this role, with Taylor Joy the perfect foil for him, the one character brave and perceptive enough to see the truth. The plot has certain elements bordering on horror, but it never allows itself to go too far, with moments of humour constantly sneaking in to undercut any nastiness. To me this is entertainment, with a capital E, thrilling, intelligent, funny, handsome, intriguing - a bit like a hamburger with the lot. (You'll have to see the film for that reference!)

4 - highly recommended

Bones and All

Dir: Luca Guadagnino

Length: 130 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjMt1MIk2EA

Maren (Taylor Russell) is a young woman with unusual tastes in dining. When she is forced out from home by a father who can no longer cope, she is first sniffed out by Sully (Mark Rylance), another of her ilk. After ditching him she teams up with Lee (Timothee Chalamet), and the pair embark upon a cross-country road trip in search of Maren's mother. Let's be blunt: the three are in fact cannibals, or "eaters", as the film calls them, living on the fringes of society. Before you reject the film out of hand, you need to know that, despite its confronting content, grappling with one of society's biggest taboos, it is in fact a powerful, moving and absorbing film, that deals with issues of alienation, addiction and, quite simply, the need for love and acceptance. There is a deep romanticism to the young couple, trying to figure out where they belong in the world, and if the urges they were born with makes them unlovable bad people. The two leads are made for each other and Rylance steals the show with his creepy Sully. Cinematography depicting the vastness of America's mid-West, complements a brilliant soundtrack. Be warned, the gore in some parts is seriously confronting, but like all the best movies, there are so many layers to this film, leading it to win the Best Film and Best Director at Venice FF 2022.

4 - highly recommended

Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey

Dir: Rob Murphy

Length: 117 mins

Limited screenings: 25th Nov - 10th Dec

Find selected venues at:

https://potentialfilms.com/contemporary-movies/splice-here-a-projected-odyssey/

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qufR9N4OazI

Here's a doco film buffs will absolutely not want to miss. Projectionist and director Rob Murphy takes us on a cinematic ride through the birth, rise, fall and rebirth of film. His passion oozes through every frame, as he explores what has been the biggest change in film history - the shift from photographic nitrate film to digital projection. We discover what makes "real" film so special, and revisit such cinematic glories as Cinemascope and widescreen 70mm. Murphy highlights some of Melbourne's remaining cinemas still capable of screening film. No need to be a technical nerd to marvel at the skill needed by "old-school" projectionists as they master the massive machines in the booth. We also learn about the fascinating history of preserving film in the critically important National Film and Sound Archive. With limited screenings, make sure you suss out one that suits you.

4 - highly recommended

Japanese Film Festival - soon in Melbourne

November 30th - December 4th

Venues: ACMI, Palace Kino

For all details of films, times, synopses, bookings visit https://japanesefilmfestival.net/

Now that the festival comes to Melbourne mid next week, I'm rerunning my reviews, and adding another. This year's JFF features a strong selection of films, from drama to comedy, anime to documentary. There is also a retrospective featuring four films from an unsung master film-maker Mikio Naruse (free screenings). Thematically, these films examine societal change in post-war Japan and will be screened in 35 mm.

Intolerance: Soeda is a rough and verbally abusive fisherman and Naoto is the manager of a local supermarket. When Soeda's daughter Kanon is caught shoplifting she runs, with Naoto pursuing her down the street. Tragically she is hit and killed by a car then a truck. Refusing to believe his daughter did anything wrong, Soeda takes his rage out on eveyone around him. The media create a frenzy which exacerbates the situation which spirals out of control for all parties concerned. Defined by emotional performances, this is a strong psychological study of grief and guilt, with, fortunately, some redemptive light at the end.

In Pursuit of Perfection: Anyone who has spent time in Japan will know the way so much of Japanese culture and life is spent making everything "just so" - beautiful, elegant, the best it can be. In this mouth-watering documentary we meet four chefs who are at the peak of their profession and with a dedication to cooking that is unsurpassed, From traditional kaiseki banquets through sushi, and French inspired cuisine we meet these masters of their crafts. Don't go hungry to this one!

© JFF: A strong thriller and psychological
study of tragedy
In the Wake: Following the disastrous 2011 earthquake, a group of three survivors befriend each other - a small girl, a taciturn young man and an old lady. Nine years later, in the large city of Sendai two murders take place. Detective Tomashino (Hiroshi Abe), who lost his wife and child in the disaster, is on the case. Soon fate will bring all these characters together. This is an especially strong thriller and a gripping psychological study of the aftermath of tragedy - how different people cope and the ripple effect through time. The film also examines the Japanese welfare system, and its failings. Acting is universally powerful, and the twists and turns in the plot, alternating time frames and unexpected outcomes, make for a most satisfying film.

Wednesday 16 November 2022

November 17th

She Said

Millie Lies Low

The Velvet Queen

On the Line

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (streaming on Netflix)

I review four new releases coming to cinemas, along with one Netflix feature I finally caught up with. I'm having misgivings about my whole scoring system and the subtleties of ranking one genre of film againt another. In fact most here are great viewing, and well worth giving some of your time to.

She Said

Dir: Maria Schrader

Length: 122 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5eFGhR638E&t=11s

In 2017 two New York Times investigative journalists Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) and Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan) wrote an article on sexual harrassment of women by men in positions of power. Like bloodhounds, the journos then started following long-standing rumours of harrassment by Harvey Weinstein, powerful media mogul and head of Miramax pictures. This powerful feature film, based upon the book the reporters wrote, details the in-depth investigation that led to the downfall of Weinstein, and kickstarted the #metoo movement. This is solid film-making that both honours the hard slog that is journalism, and exposes the vileness and exploitativeness of many men in power over the years. The film never sensationalises facts; rather it makes great use of effective filmic devices as empty rooms (scenes of the crimes) with voice-overs of the women who suffered at Weinstein's hands. An understated and detailed approach is a great strength in the telling of this heinous but vital tale. The two leads work in total synergy and are well supported by Patricia Clarkson as senior editor Rebecca Corbett, and Andre Braugher as Dean Baquet, executive editor. Jennifer Ehle and Samantha Morton are also notable as two of Weinstein's victims. With a gripping score, palpably mounting tension throughout, and a deeply emotional sensibility, the film is both thrilling and chillingly sobering, and bears historic witness to an expose that heralded major changes in the gender wars.

4 - highly recommended

Millie Lies Low

Dir: Michelle Savill

Length: 100 mins

Trailer:

Millie (Ana Scotney) wins a prestigious internship with a New york architectural firm but a panic attack as the plane is about to depart sees her off the flight and back in New Zealand. Too embarassed to confess to her friends and family what has happened, she sets up a massive pretense on Instagram that she is safely esconsed in New York, while she tries to scrounge up enough money for another flight. This film is far more layered than it initially appears. The first half relies heavily upon humorous and cringeworthy situations in which Millie digs herself a progressively deeper hole. As the plot progresses we discover much more about a young woman with basic feelings of worthlessness, and although she is a compulsive (and very creative) liar, we feel strongly for her. Scotney's performance is a carefully balanced and telling portrayal of the crippling results of anxiety, and feelings of displacement. The incessant use of Instagram by Millie, her best friend Carolyn and ex-boyfriend Henry also highlights the damaging mental effects social media can have on young insecure people today. Familiar New Zealand actor Patricia House is noteworthy as Millie's Mum. The ultimate humiliation for Millie rounds out what is a most unusual, entertaining and refreshing film.

3.5 - well recommended

The Velvet Queen
Dir: Marie Amiguet and Vincent Munier
Length: 92 mins
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7k4P-A2gPE
© Madman - nature at its most
raw and beautiful
Warning: multiplex-going popcorn munchers will not enjoy this film! Stark magnificent wilderness, captivating rare animals, and two intrepid friends feature in this outstanding award-winning French documentary. Renowned wildlife photographer Vincent Munier takes writer Sylvain Tesson high into the Tibetan wilderness, to film and photograph rare animals, to commune with nature and hopefully to spot a rare snow leopard. (La panthere de neige, meaning The Snow Leopard, is in fact the better French title of the film). Immersing in this ravishingly beautiful film is akin to a meditative experience, as the two men traverse the landscape, speaking in hushed reverential whispers, appreciating the nature that surrounds them. Tesson speaks poetically of all he sees, making insightful observations about how he feels living life close to nature as opposed to his life in Paris. The arresting close-up photography of birds and animals, along with the timeless landscapes, allows the whole to take on a spiritual quality, augmented by a haunting soundtrack by our own Warren Ellis and Nick Cave. A most worthy winner of Best Documentary at the French Cesars (among many other awards).
4 - highly recommended

On the Line
Dir: Romuald Boulanger
Length: 104 mins
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E4hfSMpOcA
© Icon - fun and silly in
a tense, Gibsonesque way
Elvis Cooney (Mel Gibson) is a late night talk show radio host. He is brash, abrasive, and seemingly not popular with his co-workers. When intern Dylan (William Mosely) arrives, Elvis plays a cruel trick on him. But then a call comes in from a listener, Gary, claiming to have taken Elvis's wife and daughter hostage, and threatening to kill them both, plus blow up the building in which the radio station is housed. So begins a tortuous game of cat and mouse, with Elvis trying to both stall and track down the killer, with help from his crew of co-workers. I've never read so many low-scoring reviews of a film, that actually does what it sets out to do - provides some tense and distracting fun, with Mel doing his schtick that he does so well. Yes, it's a bit too long, not really credible, but it certainly generates tension, and has a twist that quite surprised me. Sometimes you need a film like this to switch off from the woes of the world.
2.5 - maybe

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Dir: Chiwetel Ejiofor
2019
Length: 113 mins
Streaming on Netflix
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPkr9HmglG0
© Netflix - an inspiring story,
credibly and beautifully told
William Kamkwamba (Maxwell Simba), was thirteen in 2001 when drought and famine hit his village in poverty-stricken Malawi. Forced to drop out of his beloved school to help his father plough, he remained convinced he could invent a device to power a pump and bring irrigation to the parched land. This is the true story of a young inventor with a passion, and the battle he had with his father Trywell (Chiwetel Ejiofor) to bring his vision to reality. This is a beautiful glimpse into a life we seldom see - an African village that feels real, not Hollywood-ised, but an authentic family, struggling, and betrayed by corrupt government. The film champions the importance of education in developing countries. But at its heart it is a moving story of determination and surmounting the odds. Very absorbing viewing (and a reminder of how fortunate our lives are).
3.5 - well recommended

Thursday 10 November 2022

November 11th

Europa (SBS On Demand)

Melbourne Queer Film Festival

It's a light-on week for me (phew - take a breather from square eyes), but the three films reviewed are all totally worthy of your atttention.

Europa

Dir: Haider Rashid

Length: 72 mins

Streaming on SBS On Demand

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PFilWmWPUI

© a tense tale of the trauma
refugees can go through
Europa: This gripping, gruelling film from Iraqi-Italian filmmaker Haider Rashid is based upon the true stories of refugees desperate to get to safety, crossing from Turkey along the Balkan Route. Although only 72 minutes long, the film will have you on the edge of your seat as young Iraqi man Kamal (Adam Ali) attempts to enter Europe on foot, but is nearly caught by authorities. He goes on the run, evading ruthless "migrant hunters", but gets hopelessly lost in a Bulgarian forest, terrified and alone. Employing close-up camera work, homing in on the face of the young man, and taking time with each scene, the director captures all the terror and panic of his situation, as he is wounded yet does everything within his strength to attempt to get to safety. The couple of locals he meets are testament to the prejudice Europeans feel towards the refugees. Stunningly filmed and acted, but fittingly disturbing.
4 - highly recommended

Melbourne Queer Film Festival

Until 21 November

ACMI, Village Jam Factory, Nova Carlton

For programming and film details: https://mqff.com.au/

We had a mini MQFF earlier this year; now the full on festival is back, with the usual line-up of fabulous features, docos and shorts. This year's spotlight is on Brazil and the emergence of its queer film-making, with a stunning closing night film,Uyra: The Rising Forest to be screened on the rooftop of the spectacular Pride Centre in Fitzroy Street St Kilda. For John Waters fans, there's also a 50th Anniversary screening of his iconic film Pink Flamingos, featuring the outrageous Divine. I have two films to wholeheaeartedly recommend to you.

My Emptiness and I: Raphaelle Perez plays Raphi, a young French trans woman living in Barcelona and working through her sense of indentity and how to belong and portray herself in the world. This is the most sensitive and compassionate portrayal of trans issues I have yet seen in a film. As we accompany Raphi on her journey we are constantly aware of how society, fixated upon a two-gendered world, wants to pigeonhole other people. The film pulls no punches in describing the details of gender reassignation surgery, yet ultimately it is focussed upon a vulnerable and lovely person; as Raphi says, she is just a human being: complex and searching for love, acceptance and a level of normality. For anyone wanting a greater understanding of gender dysphoria, the film is a must-see, enlightening, moving and stunning.

Uyra: The Rising Forest: Uyra is the alter ego of a young, indigenous Brazilian conservationist and ecologist. S/he is gender non-binary, a performance artist, and passionately committed to protecting the Amazon and championing LGBTQI rights. The film is exquisitely shot, the artisticness of its subject matter reflected in the film's gorgeous style and colour. Uyra explains scientifically about the interconnectness of everything in the forest and how critical the trees are to the world's survival, then s/he concentrates upon persecution in Brazil of conservationists, indigenous and transgender people. Everything is augmented with extraordinary creative performances, using nature itself as the inspiration for costumes and makeup. This is a rare treat of a film to be revelled in on the big screen.

Thursday 3 November 2022

November 4th

Firefront

Gloriavale

Sissy

Japanese Film Festival reviewed:

In Pursuit of Perfection
In the Wake

More from the Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) reviewed:

Karaoke

J'Accuse
1618

L'Accusation

To employ a good Yiddish word, this week's selection is a real mish-mash. From an Aussie doco focussing upon the ghastly 2019-20 fires, through to Aussie horror/comedy, plus an expose of a reprehensible New Zealand religious cult. And I review four more fabulous films from the ongoing Jewish Film Festival.

Firefront

Dir: Eddie Martin

Length: 92 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnspzOYwY0Y

This is the stuff of nightmares - except it's all real. In 2020 Australia's east coast was ravaged by months of bushfires. Entire towns were destroyed, about a billion animals killed, 34 human lives lost, and the landscape devastated. The entire world was focused upon what was happening here. And now this amazing documentary, cleverly constructed entirely of archival footage, takes viewers as close to the front line as is possible, giving a visceral sense of the terror as events unfold in real time on the screen. Many of the survivors, and firefighting volunteers have contributed their home-shot footage, bringing an immediacy not seen before. Bravery and heartbreak are front and centre. The failure of government looms large. News clips from reports all over the world highlight also the looming menace of climate change, and the fear that this may not be just Australia in future, but the entire planet. This is compulsory, if distressing, viewing.

4 - highly recommended

Gloriavale

Dir: Fergus Grady, Noel Smyth

Length: 89 min

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PFDHiM0Aro

In the gorgeous rolling hills of New Zealand is a little isolated community of evangelistic Christians called Gloriavale. Families live and work there, having as many kids as possible, making honey, farming the land. But it's not all brightness and warm fuzzies, as John gets evicted from the group, forced to leave his wife and kids behind. He mounts a legal case against the leaders, and issues of widespread abuse emerge. There are no real surprises here - the story is typical of these sorts of groups where the patriarchy exert their power, and the rest suffer, particularly the women who are virtual slaves. A most sobering and disturbing insight into a cult that still exerts its coercive power to this day.

3 - recommended

Sissy

Dir: Hannh Barlow, Kane Senes

Length: 115 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vRieHamcco

Sissy (Aisha Dee) and Emma (Hannah Barlow) are childhood best buddies who vow to grow old together. But their friendship fractures after Sissy perpetrates a violent act upon Alex (Emily de Margheriti), who teases her mercilessly. Ten years later Sissy is Cecilia, a wellness influencer and internet sensation with 200,000 followers. Despite her inner insecurities, her life is a self-focussed dream, until she runs into Emma who invites her to a hen's night at a house in the countryside in celebration of Emma's forthcoming marriage to girlfriend Fran (Lucy Barrett). Shock, horror! Alex is there, along with two of Emma's other friends. Sissy's influence will not be as New Age and soothing as it appears on her internet site. This is a clever mix of comedy, drama and horror, with a side-serve of satirical commentary about the age of social media along with allusion to the deep scarring caused by childhood bullying. With a goodly dose of gore it won't be to everyone's taste, but this is a well scripted, terrifically-acted, film. (The trio playing Alex, Sissy and Emma as kids are noteworthy.) Despite having the expected horror tropes, the film surprises and entertains, in a very black way, throughout.

3.5 - well recommended

Japanese Film Festival

November 5 - Dec 4

Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

Melbourne Nov 30-Dec 4, ACMI, Palace Kino

For details of all states, films, times, synopses, bookings visit https://japanesefilmfestival.net/

This year's JFF features a strong selection of films, from drama to comedy, anime to documentary. There is also a retrospective featuring four films from an unsung master film-maker Mikio Naruse (free screenings). Thematically, these films examine societal change in post-war Japan and will be screened in 35 mm. I'm lucky to have previewed a couple so far.

© JFF: A strong thriller and psychological
study of tragedy
In the Wake: Following the disastrous 2011 earthquake, a group of three survivors befriend each other - a small girl, a taciturn young man and an old lady. Nine years later, in the large city of Sendai two murders take place. Detective Tomashino (Hiroshi Abe), who lost his wife and child in the disaster, is on the case. Soon fate will bring all these characters together. This is an especially strong thriller and a gripping psychological study of the aftermath of tragedy - how different people cope and the ripple effect through time. The film also examines the Japanese welfare system, and its failings. Acting is uiversally powerful, and the twists and turns in the plot, alternating time frames and unexpected outcomes, make for a most satisfying film.

Jewish International Film Festival - Week 2

Melbourne: on now until 27th November

Classic Elsternwick and Lido Hawthorn

For details of other states, films, times, synopses, bookings visit www.jiff.com.au

L'Accusation: Alexandre (Ben Attal), who studies in the US, is visiting his divorced parents in Paris. Claire Farel (Charlotte Gainsbourg) and husband Jean (Pierre Arditi) are well known and respected in the media. Claire is living with Adam Wizman (Matthieu Kassowitz), estranged from his ultra-Orthodox wife. When Alexandre takes Adam's daughter Mila (Suzanne Jouannet) to a party, the girl returns and accuses Alexandre of having raped her. A protracted trial ensues. Everyone's lives are irrevocably altered. Much-awarded director Yvan Attal has come up with a gripping, intelligent and thought-provoking film that is spot-on timely, with the many current cases around sexual assault and the legislation around consent. The film has a three-part structure of interpretations of the events, the accused's, the victim's, and the courtroom arguments. After hearing testimony that could in fact imply several versions of "the truth", the moral choices are left to the audience. The actors inhabit their roles, legal arguments on both sides are compelling, and the non-judmental scripting allows audiences to come up with their own conclusions. One of the finest legal and #me too films I've seen in a long time.

Karaoke: Meir (Sasson Gabay) and Tova (Rita Shukrun), 46 years married, are growing old together in a luxurious Tel Aviv apartment. Then wealthy charismatic bachelor Itzik (Lior Ashkenazi) moves into the penthouse, hosting noisy parties and karaoke nights. Meir and Tova are drawn to him, but it remains to be seen whether the effect he has upon them will damage their marriage. I love this quirky film. Everything that happens is so unexpected, and there is a gentle humanity and charm to the three main characters, despite their very obvious flaws. Gabay is superb as an older man somehow "coming of age", as he tests the boundaries of his conservative shell, in awe of someone he wishes he were more like. The film, and its trio of leads, have been much nominated for many of Israel's top awards. Poignant, fun, and delightful.

J'Accuse: Lithuania has the dubious record of having killed the largest percentage of its Jewish population in the Holocaust: 95%. And it wasn't just the Nazis who did the ghastly deeds, it was the people of that country. One of the perpetrators, Jonas Noreika is revered to this day as a national hero. In this disturbing doco, Noreika's grand-daughter, Chicago-based Silvia Foti is writing a book about her family, when she discovers the horrific truth. She teams up with South African Jew Grant Gochin who is researching the slaughter of his family back in Lithuania during the war. Their testimonies, along with haunting still photos and the recollections of a few survivors, make for harrowing viewing. But the friendship forged between Silvia and Grant, as they try to fight against Lithuania's systemic Holocaust denial, is inspiring.

1618: Many Jews fled the Spanish Inquisition in the late 1400s and ended up in Portugal. Most converted to become "New Christians" and helped the cities where they lived to prosper. Their safe haven didn't last long. As well as the usual anti-Semitic persecution by the native Portugese, in 1618 the Inquisition descended upon the northern city of Porto. Antonio Alvares, lead character in this narrative tale, must decide whether to stay or flee with his family. Other citizens, who had eschewed their Jewish origins, are faced with some soul-searching decisions. The film is an interesting period piece, with a strong and handsomely created sense of time and place. It throws light on less-exposed piece of Jewish history.