"Holiday Movies" I Want To See

The holiday season is coming, bringing along a slew of promising, fascinating, or simply strange movie offering. Here, in the order listed, are the top 5 that I want to see the most. And no, that certain vampire movie is not in there.

1. Precious (Nov 20 expanding)

For me to put a movie with Mariah Carey in it at the top of my list - that tells you how much I am drawn to "Precious". I heard someone describe it as a "heart shredder". Ouch. But the question is, will the movie transcend the tragedy and elevate my soul? "Monster's Ball" fell short by that standard, IMHO; I'm holding out hope for this one.

2. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (Dec 25)

Is this gonna be Terry Gilliam's return to top form? The trailer looks pretty amazing, and there is no way I would miss Heath Ledger's final performance - not to mention Johnny, Colin and Jude who stepped in for him in the fantasy sequences.

3. Up in the Air (Dec 4)

From the director of "Thank You for Smoking" and "Juno", starring George Clooney in what looks like one of his most earnest roles. I don't even need to see a trailer.

4. Sherlock Holmes (Dec 25)

Guy Ritchie is hit-and-miss as a director, but having Robert Downey Jr. in such an iconic and meaty role, that's enough reason for me. Besides, it will be a nice bonus to see Rachel McAdams again!

5. A Single Man (Dec 11)

Feature debut from fashion designer Tom Ford? And it's gotten rave reviews? I'm hooked.

Honorary Mentions:

* Fantastic Mr. Fox (Nov 13)

I've always been a fan of stop-motion animation and Wes Anderson is capable of making fantastic movies. Or at least he used to.

* Nine (Dec 18)

Acting pedigree, it's got plenty. Visual feast, for sure it is. Will it be as cold and inaccessible as Rob Marshall's "Chicago" and (to a lesser extent) "Memoirs of a Geisha"? We'll see.

* Avatar (Dec 18)

Yeah, yeah, I guess it's a big deal... I suppose I will see it.

* It's Complicated (Dec 25)

A Nancy Meyers romantic comedy could be quite enjoyable, especially with Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin playing triangle.

SIFF: A Second Chance

Selected films from SIFF 2009 will receive an encore presenatation this weekend. The two short film packages, in particular, will be a rare chance to catch these excellent mini-movies. I also recommend the following: talhotblond, Humpday, Swimsuit Issue, The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle. I am planning to see: The Cove, Morris: A Life With Bells on.

http://www.siff.net/cinema/seriesDetail.aspx?FID=158

SIFF 2009: A Summary

So, I finally feel like a worthy passholder! I attended a total of 75 screenings during this festival, for an average of 3 per day. Adding the commute and in-between time, it was like having an 8 hours/day, 7 days/week job for those 25 days... If you think that's unbelievable, know that some passholders saw a lot more, especially those who took advantage of the advanced press screenings (which I barely did). Still, 75 is plenty for me, and by far a new personal record. In the six years prior, I only averaged 32.5 per year, with a maximum of 43.

Even though I enjoyed the experience and caught a lot of good movies, I'm not sure I want to do this again in future years. I pretty much had to put my life on hold for 25 days, other than a few things here and there. (I did go out of town for the Portland Dragon Boat Festival. If I hadn't, I could've hit a total of 90...) With a few hundreds of films to choose from, SIFF is always an exercise in letting go and accepting my limits. In the grand scheme of things, a better life balance would serve me well!

Nine of the 75 screenings I attended were short film packages, so I actually saw 66 feature-length films and 70+ short films. Here is a list of my favorites among those 66 features (see previous blog entries for full reviews):

My Top Documentaries
This festival had a great selection of documentaries covering far-ranging topics and styles.

1. We Live In Public (US) - How will the Internet really impact our lives?
2. A Sea Change (Norway/US) - Imagine all the fish disappearing from the oceans...
3. Gotta Dance (US) - Seniors learn to dance hip-hop for an NBA team.
4. Kimjongilia (France/US/South Korea) - An artful and stunning exposé of North Korea.
5. Prodigal Sons (US) - Family stories don't get any more fascinating than this!

My Top Narrative Films

1. The Hurt Locker (US) - An incredibly gripping story of bomb techs in the Iraq war.
2. Paper Heart (US) - This mockumentary about love is sweet, light, and super-charming!
3. La Mission (US) - An outstanding ethnic/social/family/romance/character drama.
4. (500) Days of Summer (US) - An innovative look at the age-old question of love.
5. Moon (UK) - A thoughtful and unexpectedly satisfying sci-fi drama.
6. Welcome (France) - A.k.a. "The Swim Coach & The Illegal Immigrant Boy."
7. Hachiko: A Dog's Story (US) - An unapolegetic tear-jerker that is ultimately uplifting.
8. The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle (US) - A brilliantly bizarre comedy. Seattle-based indie!
9. North Face (Austria) - Intense mountain-climbing drama based on real events.
10. School Days With a Pig (Japan) - Fifth graders have to decide on the fate of their pet pig.

Best Actors
For whatever reason, I saw many strong male performances and no stand-out female performances.

1. Sam Rockwell, for playing a moon worker in isolation, in "Moon."
2. Mark Duplass, for strong performances in two indies, "Humpday" & "True Adolescents."
3. Benjamin Bratt, for playing a conflicted man in "La Mission."
4. Jim Sturgess, for a star-making turn in "Fifty Dead Men Walking."
5. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, for his mature performance in "(500) Days of Summer."

My Wishlist - Movies I Missed & Want To See

1. Departures (Japan) - Oscar Best Foreign Film winner and favorite among passholders.
2. Tetro (US/Argentina) - Francis Ford Coppola's new political drama.
3. Tears of April (Finland) - One of the "hidden gems" as rated by passholders.
4. The Cove (US) - Documentary audience award winner.
5. Sweet Crude (US) - Ambitious documentary by a Seattle filmmaker.
6. Morris: A Life With Bells On (UK) - Spoof comedy on English folk dance!
7. Marcello Marcello (Switzerland) - A charming story set in Italy.
8. Seraphine (France) - Story of a famous painter & house cleaner. Best Actress winner.
9. The Necessities of Life (Canada) - SIFF has a tradition of powerful films about the Inuit culture.
10. Fly Filmmaking Challenge 2009 - Don't know if I'll get a chance to see these very special films now that I missed them during the festival.

Finally, Isn't It Ironic...

that my three least favorite films of the festival are the Opening Night film ("In the Loop"), the Closing Night film ("OSS 117: Lost in Rio"), and a film from mainland China, my home country ("The Shaft").

SIFF Final Day (25): Reviews

Unmistaken Child (Israel) (Doc) : B+

A fascinating documentation of a lengthy search for the reincarnation of a Buddhist Lama. While I wish some of the details were explained in more details, the unassuming approach (using no narrations) allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the story with little distraction. Also features great camera work and music.

Fifty Dead Men Walking (UK) : B+

OK, I'm going by some blind faith here, since I missed about half of the dialogue due to those darn Irish accents. Even so, I could clearly see that this is a first-rate action drama based on real events from the conflicts between the Brits and the IRA. Jim Sturgess ("Across the Universe", "21") further establishes himself as a young star to watch. With a natural intensity and charisma, he easily steals the movie from his costar, Sir Ben Kingsley. Rating may be adjusted after I get to see it again with captions on.

Amreeka (US) : B

Six years after the invasion of Iraq and with a new President in office, perhaps we are finally at a place to look back on that time and see the story from a different side. This film successfully conveys some of the challenges and struggles faced by Middle Eastern immigrants during that uncertain time, without getting too sentimental or preachy. The physical appearance of the main character and the family-centered story may remind some of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," except this is a lot more serious and less chick-flicky. The first part of the story was filmed in Palestine, home country of writer-director Cherien Dabis.

OSS 117: Lost in Rio (France) : C+

A blatantly un-PC spy movie spoof, where the Bond-like agent 117 acts more like Austin Powers or the Pink Panther. While I did laugh along to many of the silly gags, it all got old really fast, and the whole experience was like eating a big Sundae with cheapo ice cream and dry, flavorless brownie base.

SIFF Day 24: Reviews

Today was a good day. For the first time during this festival, I saw four movies in a row that I rated B+ or higher! If only the last movie had continued the streak...

Hachiko: A Dog’s Story (US) : A- (website)

I've cried to "Hachiko" and I'm not ashamed! You could say this is a blatant tear-jerker and heart-string-tugger, yet I don't think it is manipulative. The emotional power comes from the simple story - which is based on true events - and the fact the the dog is just so darn cute. If you love dogs, and you don't mind that gooey emotional stuff, go see this movie. It will bring out the love in you.

Kimjongilia (France) (Doc) : A- (website)

With elements of an art collage and a performance piece, this is a stunning exposé of a country where extreme oppression and atrocity are still going on today. By the way, the title means "The Flower of Kim Jong-Il."

talhotblond (US) (Doc) : B+ (website)

There are two documentaries in this festival that focus on the social impact of the Internet. "We Live in Public" (my rating: A) was about a genius millionaire; "talhotblond" is about a few ordinary people. The story, however, is far from ordinary: A middle-aged man forms an online sexual relationship with an 18-year-old girl, by pretending that he is an 18-year-old Marine soldier. The relationship escalates, another young man gets involved, and it all leads to some tragic consequences. Some viewers apparently thought this is a fictional film; sadly, it is not. As a documentary, this film is skillfully put together and fluently paced.

The Spy and the Sparrow (US) : B+

A stylish, well-written, and wonderfully acted character drama.

Flame & Citron (Denmark) : B

At $9 million, this is the most expensive Danish production to date, and it does look appropriately expensive. So what's the story? Let's see... There was a lot of gunshots, many deaths, some conflicts and disagreements, suspicion, Nazis... At the end, some texts tell us the future fates of some characters. I didn't feel that I really cared.

SIFF Day 23: Reviews

American Primitive (US) : B+

During the post-film Q&A, we learned that this movie was almost entiredly based on the director's own family story. That level of authenticity adds to the gravity of the story, which is about two teenage sisters in the 1970s dealing with their father's homosexuality. The story is told from the viewpoint of older sister Madeline, and I have to say it's refreshing to have a teenager movie that's not about teenage rebellion, teenage depression, or teenagers doing very bad things! The movie is a little broad, a little cheesy, and secretly wholesome almost to a fault. Despite all that, it works, and I quickly felt bonded with Madeline's life and her various relationships. Although some people might have objections to the ending, I personally found it to be entirely satisfactory.

The Hills Run Red (US) (Horror) : B

I'm not a fan of horror movies, yet I somehow decided to watch this one. I enjoyed it, and got scared a lot without being completely spooked or scarred for life. In a genre that's so tired and overdone, this movie manages to be clever but not winky-winky. It's a throwback to old-fashioned horror and also has some good twists and turns, including a nice ending. Solid performances from the cast as well.

Youssou N'dour: I Bring What I Love (Senegal) (Doc) : B

A solid documentary on the power of music and the journey of a musician with grand aims. If you like African music then you would really appreciate this film.

Wonderful World (US) : B

No thanks to a title like "Wonderful World," I went into this movie with my cliche detector on high alert. And it did go off quite a bit... At the end though, I found myself caring about the main character (an expert performance from Matthew Broderick) and feeling connected to his journey. That's the sign of a good movie, right?

The Girl from Monaco (France) : C+

From the technical side, this is a perfectly fine film. The problem is, I simply couldn't buy into the motivations and decisions of the main characters. In the great words of Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler, "Really??" If the film had a different cast and they approached the characters differently, then I might have been able to like it.

SIFF Day 22: Reviews

North Face (Austria) : B+

This mountain climbing drama is closely based on the story of four climbers' 1936 attempt to summit The Eiger ("Ogre"), the last unconquered peak in the Alps. The story is told with such gravity and tension that it works wonderfully as a nail-biting thriller, and all the more so when you realize that this was a real-life story. The secondary storyline of the spectators down below successfully adds another dimension to the narration. Unfortunately, the fictional elements eventually step into the realm of sensationalism, which detracts somewhat from the power of the story.

NOTE: If you are interested in this topic, check out the 2004 documentary "Touching the Void," which I absolutely loved. It is not a pure documentary per se, since it utilized dramatic re-enactment to tell the story.

Afghan Star (Afghanistan) (Doc) : B

A fascinating look at the Afghan TV show that is the equivalent of "American Idol," this documentary works both as entertainment and as social study. You will be so grateful that you don't live in Afghanistan! (Especially if you are a woman...)

The Red Race (China) (Doc) : B

This film follows a group of young Chinese kids as they go through rigorous gymnastic training in hope of future glory. With no narration and virtually no interviews, this is a rare breed of a documentary. Such an "objective" and "slice of life" approach is consistent with the trend I see in a lot of Chinese narrative films, and it may not be something that most Western audience are used to. If you are OK with that, you may find this documentary to be very effective in what it sets out to convey. One particular shot, which stays on two young girls for what seems like minutes with no camera movements, is especially impactful.

SIFF Day 21: Reviews

My Suicide (US) : B+

The early part of this movie is an explosion of disturbing imagery, mixed-style animation, and profanity-laiden narration. If that sounds like MTV-generation stupidity, which I usually don't care for, know that it was all done so deliberately and creatively that it actually worked really well. The pace slows down later to allow the unfolding of a more traditional story arc, which is effective and thought-provoking. In the end though, I find myself wondering what the movie would've been like if the story was told in a straightforward way throughout. I'm afraid that for me, the extraordinary style did keep me at a certain distance from the underlying substance. In addition, the movie is decidedly rooted in the angst and frustration of the teen generation, and that's something I personally never identified with.

Overall, an impressive piece of art and a memorable viewing experience.

Garbage Dreams (US) (Doc) : B

This documentary about young people who process garbage for a living in the city of Cairo is well-constructed and touching, though a little too mellow and repetitive.

Cold Souls (US) : B-

Paul Giamatti alone makes this movie worth watching. I just wish the movie was move deserving of him.

During the Q&A, writer-director Sophie Barthes said she was tired of hearing the comparison with "Being John Malkovich." Unfortunately, given the storyline, such a comparison is inevitable, and "Being" was so brilliant that the said comparison doesn't do "Cold Souls" any favor. While the story is solid and the cinematography is successful, the implication of the core premise is severely underdeveloped, and the one scene that is the potential highlight turns out to be a major let-down. (Something very similar happened in "Being John Malkovich" and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," and both of those scenes were brilliant.)

So, thanks Paul... and sorry, Paul.

System Calibrated

While discussing my scoring systems with a friend, I realized that I had not been fully utilizing the scale of grades. Technically I graded the movies from D to A+, except I used both ends very sparingly, meaning that most movies were crowded around B and B+. I decided to "stretch out" the scale and essentially convert the old A- to A, and the old C+ to C. Here is the new system:

A+ : Exceptionally great movies, movies I absolutely love, best of the year or better.
A : Great movies that I absolutely recommend.
A- : Near-great movies with a few minor flaws, still highly recommend.
B+ : Good movies that are enjoyable, impressive and/or uniquely valuable.
B : Solid movies that pass the grade, worth seeing if it fits your taste.
B- : Just OK or so-so, with some clear flaws.
C+ : Not good, though there are one or two redeeming qualities.
C : My time would've been better spent elsewhere.
D : Gosh, why did I ever choose to see this??

SIFF Days 18-20: Reviews

Over the weekend, I was out of town for a nice break from movies. After coming back on Sunday night, I caught another movie and went right back into SIFF mode. One final week to go...

(500) Days of Summer (US) : A- (website)

Fans of clever romance movies rejoice! This one could be a new classic. Utilizing a successful non-linear time structure, this movie is full of genuine emotions and subtle humor, with stories and characters that are highly relatable. (According to director Marc Webb, some scenes and dialogues were lifted from the writers' own experiences.) The best thing about this movie is its rich visual language, with many creative storytelling devices put to great use.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt (TV's "3rd Rock from the Sun," now all grown up) is highly impressive as the lovelorn Tom, while Zooey Deschanel embodies the charm of the title character rather perfectly. The soundtrack is also one to watch, following the tradition of "Garden State" and "Juno." Check out this movie in regular release later this summer!

Defamation (Israel) (Doc) : B+

A great documentary presents interesting opinions, raises challenging questions, and educates us on important topics. "Defamation" does all of those with ease and humor. While the movie talks about anti-semitism, it also serves as a discussion about dealing with the past. Do we continue to carry the burden from the past and let the negative events define us, or can we find a way to move on? With chilling quotes such as "never forgive, never forget," this movie will surely give you plenty to think about. For those who are familiar with the concept, it is all about the "victim mentality".

Krabat (Germany) : B

This is sort of a cross between "Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter" - I dub it as "Fellowship of the Black Magic." Visually, the movie looks impressive even without being as flashy as those big-budget epics. More importantly, it has a solid story that integrates many significant themes and brings everything to a satisfying conclusion. Features a star-making turn for David Kross (the boy from "The Reader").

Hansel and Gretel (South Korea) : B

A dream-like fantasy, a Burton-esque world with children behaving like devils, and a revenge horror movie in disguise. While the movie feels a little drawn-out, and the insanity undertone gets a little too much for its own good, it is still an enjoyable ride that leaves a lasting impression.

The Paranoids (Argentina) : B

The opening shot of this movie shows a toy gorilla falling slow-motion in the woods. Like that opening, the movie is a little odd, yet oddly charming.

Fruit Fly (US) : B-

If you ever wondered what a low-budget indie gay musical would be like, this is it. Watching this movie is somewhat like watching a high school theater production. You could tear it to shreds if you want; or you could decide to be forgiving and just enjoy. The songs are smooth and catchy, the story is perfectly adequate, and the characters are not as cliched as you might fear. You would be hard-pressed not to groove along to campy numbers like "Public Transit" and "We Are the Hag." All in all, a commendable and adorable effort.

The Square (Australia) : C+

This is one of those stories where things keep going badly, until people start dying left and right. Would've been decent material for a black comedy. However, the movie is dead serious (no pun intended), which just makes it not believable and not enjoyable. I wasn't thrilled or touched, in fact I was a little bored. The dog thing is cute though.

SIFF Days 13-15: Reviews

Welcome (France) : A-

A touching story that addresses the illegal immigration issue, with strong performances from the lead actors.

Prodigal Sons (US) (Doc) : A-

Not the best-made documentary per se, yet this is simply too fascinating to miss. In fact, don't even read the synopsis if you haven't. Just watch everything unfold and be ready to react and to think.

True Adolescents (US) : B+

A 30-something slacker/loser/unlikeable character goes on a camping trip with two teenage boys who really dislike him. Tricky situation for sure, and writer/director Craig Johnson succeeded beautifully in constructing a story that's authentic, organic and touching. Features a great cast led by the great Mark Duplass. Mark Duplass rocks. Check him out also in "Humpday," another wonderful Seattle indie.

Swimsuit Issue (Sweden) : B+

Like a happy version of "The Full Monty," this movie rolls along at a brisk pace and entertains the audience from the beginning to the end, without ever getting too slapsticky (thankfully!).

Kabei - Our Mother (Japan) : B

This is the story of a woman's strength, set against a revealing look into the political oppression in Japan during WWII. The quiet and plain approach of the film is confidently effective, yet it leaves something to be desired by the end. Features a masterful performance by Sayuri Yoshinaga.

The Shaft (China) : C

I am disappointed that my loyalty to my home country cinema was not richly rewarded in this case. This is one of those Chinese movies where I watch one thing happen after another, and I keep wishing that the time was spent to advance the plot in more meaningful ways. This three-part movie tells the story of a family in a small mining town, and the challenges they each face as they struggle to define their future against their past. The three episodic stories are fairly compelling, yet the family connection between the characters are severely underutilized.

SIFF Day 12: Reviews

A Sea Change (Norway) (Doc) : A

Not only does this film deliver some incredibly important information regarding ocean acidification, it is done very effectively through Sven's personal messages and hopes for his grandchildren. It is shocking to realize that the situation might be so dire that a large number of ocean species may already be destined for extinction. Yet there is hope in that the technologies and resources are in fact readily available, and it's only a question of whether/when we will take actions. No matter how things turn out for our oceans and all the fishes in them, one thing is clear: We must all take serious responsibilities for the world we are creating, not in the far future, but in our children's and even our own lifetime. A must-see for citizens of earth.

Boy (Philippines) : B

Apparently, this movie was accepted into and then rejected from the Singapore International Film Festival, because it showed romantic love-making between two males. And romantic it is indeed, making great use of fish tanks as both visual and storytelling devices. The movie also offers an intriguing look into the macho dancer culture in the Philippines.

The Wedding Song (France) : B-

SIFF Day 9-11: ShortsFest and more

La Mission (US) : A

Starring Benjamin Bratt and written/directed by his brother Peter Bratt, "La Mission" is an outstanding ethnic/social/family/romance/character drama that succeeds where so many other films have failed: It touches upon a large number of issues without any of them feeling forced or contrived. Benjamin Bratt bravely sinks himself into the leading role, and gives an extraordinary, richly layered performance. While the cheesiness meter does ramp up a little high at times, this is an authentic and powerful film that's well worth watching.

School Days With a Pig (Japan) : B+

A 6th grade teacher decided to teach his students a lesson on life by asking them to raise a baby pig, with the plan to eat it at the end of the school year. Or will they?? This is a wonderful family film that puts a large group of kids in the spotlight, in a way that's rarely seen in movies. It maintains a good balance by covering both the awe-inducing side of the story (kids playing with the pig) and the more serious, grown-up side (kids deciding what to do with the pig). I was highly impressed with the classroom discussion scenes - How did they film it so well with so many kids speaking so many lines? All the child actors are very believable, and adorable. My only negative comment is that the second half seems to drag on a little bit. Overall though, an excellent movie that's recommended for all ages.

Like Dandelion Dust (US) : B

An adopted child becomes the center of much turmoil when his birth parents want him back and the court orders his adopted parents to oblige. This is a well-made mainstream tear jerker; not a chick flick as the male characters are just as important and complex as the females. Cinema cynics will gladly point out the cliched elements and the tugging of the heart string. Even so, this is an engaging movie thanks to a strong cast (especially the child actor). For most of the movie, it is difficult to decide who you should root for. During the screening, a lot of sniffling was heard from the audience - I imagine that if you a parent, you may get very emotional watching it. I'm not a parent, and I still was almost brought to tears.

City of Borders (US) (Doc) : B

Snow (Bosnia/Herzegovina) : C+

Still Walking (Japan) : C+

Yes, I Can See Dead People (Hong Kong) : C+


ShortsFest Opening Package : B+
(Repeat screening Tue Jun 2, 9:15pm, Egyptian)

An excellent and diverse group of short films ranging from the lovely to the cute to the absurd to the controversial. You may not love them all, and you would still come to appreciate the art of short films. Next year, bigger venue please?

2081 (US): B
A surrealistic look into a future where equality is taken to extreme measures.
The Bake Shop Ghost (US): A
A heart-warming story with a lot of delicious-looking cakes to boot!
The Herd (Ireland): B
A deer with an identity crisis keeps hanging around a herd of cattles. What could the farmer do?
Love: C+
An inconsistent and disturbing piece on an extreme act of love in the face of death. For me, short film is not necessarily an appropriate medium for a provocative story like this, since there is no sufficient time to establish motivation or develop characters.
Next Floor: B
Absurd comedy never looked so exquisite... and somewhat disgusting.
Photograph of Jesus: B+
A funny and imaginative presentation about the photo archive and some of the real requests they receive.
Post-It Love: A-
Even the most cynical will smile at this really cute little love story!

Disclosures (shorts package) : B

Highlights:
Kudan (Japan) : A-
The Spam Job (US) : B
Sparks (US) : B

The Family Picture Show (shorts package) : A-

A wonderful collection that highlights many different looks of animation, from computer graphics to pencil drawings. Clever use of mixed media brings unique charm to two shorts, while two others present innovative methods that I have not seen before: "Western Spaghetti," where items such as bubble wraps and colorful yarns stand in for boiling water and spgahetti strands; "Maggie and Mildred," which takes on the look of needle point arts.

Highlights:
Babau (Italy) : A-
Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death : A-

The World of Possibilities (shorts package) : B-

Unanswered questions and ambiguous endings... Sometimes they work, and many other times they are just frustrating.

Response Abilities (shorts package) : B

Proof that while it might be easier to make a good short film (compared to making a good feature-length film), it's also difficult to achieve greatness.

The Cock Collage (shorts package) : B

While this package contains several nice ideas, there still is an unfortunate dearth of gay-themed short films with solid production value and high overall quality.

Sensory Overload (shorts package) : B+

Note to self: Don't judge a shorts package by its name. This is one that I was reluctant to see for fear of suffering through a large pile of experimental mumbo-jumbo. On the contrary, it includes a few very pleasant surprises, and even has a high quota of stories that make sense!

SIFF Day 8: Reviews

The Hurt Locker (US) : A

To call this "intense" or "gripping" is a huge understatement. From the beginning, "The Hurt Locker" drops us right into a different world, where lives hang on by a thread, and humanity only surfaces in brief glimpses. The movie does all its work with amazing honesty and constraint, without ever getting aggressively loud or overly sentimental. While the explosions and gun fights are effective, it is through many wordless moments that the movie really draws us in and shakes us to the core. In an excellent ensemble cast, Jeremy Renner stands out with a truly magnetic performance.

Carmo, Hit the Road (Spain) : B

Rembrandt's J'Accuse (Netherlands) (Doc?) : B-

SIFF Day 7: Review (only 1 movie today)

An Island Calling (New Zealand) (Doc) : B+

The story happened in Fiji, where an affluent gay white couple were brutally murdered by a native Fijian man. Was it motivated by anti-gay sentiment, racial tension, personal history, or political conflict? (Half of the couple, John Scott, was the director of Fiji Red Cross and assisted a group of hostages during a then-recent coup.) John's brother Owen was a driving force behind this excellent documentary, and he provided a strong sense of emotional resonance without ever coming from grudge or revenge. The movie took its time exploring the history of the Fiji society, allowing the story to unfold naturally as we learn about its background setting. The result was powerful, sensible, and thought-provoking.

SIFF Day 6: Reviews

Dancing Across Borders (US) (Doc) : B

Philanthropist Anne Bass discovered Sy, a teenage dancer performing in Cambodia, and sponsored him to come to the U.S. and train in classic ballet. What started as home video footage (to send to Sy's mom) eventually turned into a documentary project, which first-time filmmaker Anne Bass handled with love and care. We follow Sy through years of training and performances, which eventually led him to Seattle's Pacific Northwest Ballet. The power of this movie comes from the personal and artistic journey of Sy, allowing us to appreciate him as a beautiful person both inside and out. Wonderful performance footage, often showing dance pieces in their entirety, provided a great bonus. As a fan of dancing in general and a non-fan of ballet specifically, I was really impressed and touched by Sy's performances.

Moon (UK) : A- (website)

I expected to like this movie, and I did like it, but in a totally unexpected way. I thought this was a sci-fi suspense thriller; turned out it's more like a sci-fi character drama. The first act was kinda slow, and during the second act I seriously doubted whether the movie would work. However, the third act really pulled it off and turned in a very satisfactory ending. I'll take this over so many other movies that start strong and finish weak.

The look of this movie, a blend between old-school realistic and CG-based ultra-clean, was attractive and soothing. Sam Rockwell gave a pitch-perfect performance. In fact, the movie was written specifically for him - and he really delivered.

Zift (Bulgaria) : B

I took a gamble on this one since it didn't look like my usual kind of movie. The SIFF website stated "Genres: Cult, Detective/Mystery, Drama, Erotic, Film Noir, Thriller." Huh?? I’m glad that it turned out to be an enjoyable and enticing ride instead of a flashy mess. The story-telling devices and Noir elements worked well, the protagonist was fascinating and powerful, and it all led up to a memorable final act.

SIFF Day 5: Reviews

Gotta Dance (US) (Doc) : A- (website)

Grandmothers dancing hip-hop? Fun, fun, fun!! A group of seniors age 60 and above - 12 women and 1 man - were recruited by the New Jersey Nets to form a new dance team. Director Dori Berinstein ("Some Assembly Required") brings us through their journey of hard training, warm camaraderie, national fame, and audience adoration in this heartfelt and inspiring documentary.

We Live In Public (US) (Doc) : A (website)

Even though you may have never heard of him, Internet pioneer Josh Harris was a genius, a visionary, a weirdo, a dangerous force and a tragic figure all rolled into one. He jump-started the .com boom; built a web TV operation before most people even had the Internet; and ran an ambitious "Big Brother Extreme" in an underground bunker at the turn of the millennium. More than ten years in the making, this documentary is bedazzling in its technical details and unsettling in its social implications. Are we doomed to become slaves to the Internet? Do human beings ultimately crave intimate connections or unwittingly destroy them? Watch the movie and ponder away.

Today's SIFF audience received a very special treat when Josh Harris himself showed up for the post-film Q&A. In person he appeared calm, poised, and surprisingly "normal." Just don't ask him what he thought of the movie - He still hasn't watched it! I asked him about the ultimate goal and motivation behind all the provocative "experiments" he put on. He explained that he wants to "implement" where our society is heading toward, so we can all see what it's like in reality. Whether people choose to follow that path, or choose something different, that's not his concern. Indeed, this ultimate techie sees himself as an artist, an illustrator of our future. Something interesting to keep in mind when you watch this movie.

I Know You Know (UK) : B

A coming-of-age drama and suspense thriller (in a mild sense), this film features a stand-out debut performance from a young Arron Fuller, and a memorable turn by Robert Carlyle ("The Full Monty") as his father. The story, though not as rewarding as the lead performances, gets told in a polished and enjoyable fashion.

Warlords (Hong Kong/China) : B (website)

From "The Banquet" to "Curse of the Golden Flower" to this... The Chinese cinema seems to have taken on an obsession with Shakespearean tragedies. It's a solid piece of war epic, with three solid male leads and some solid character conflicts. Just remember to stay away if you are afraid of seeing blood.

Baby Love (France) : B-

A gay couple, one desperately wanting to have kids and the other one adamantly against it. Plus, gay couples are not allowed to adopt in France (for now). Many of the plot turns are cliched, though as a whole it's still enjoyable to watch. In other words, it's not bad. Just one major bone to pick: The film shows part of a straight sex scene, but cuts away just when two men start getting intimate. A strange double-standard to have for a supposedly gay movie.

SIFF Day 4: Reviews

$9.99 (Israel/Australia) : B+ (website)

A claymation movie that's gritty and cryptic, instead of cutesy and sleek? I'm there! My friends and I had a lengthy discussion afterwards about the characters, the endings, and those unexpected PG-13 moments. That makes it a good movie, right?

Pop Star On Ice (US) (Doc) : B+ (website)

A documentary that follows Johnny Weir, the openly flamboyant U.S. champion figure skater, through three years of triumph, frustration, hard work, and self-expression. Taking a restrained yet self-assured approach, the film lets all the different sides of Johnny Weir come through, without either demonizing or idolizing this undeniably intriguing young man.

I'm No Dummy (US) (Doc) : B (website)

If you are ever curious about ventriloquists (or "vents"), this is a good documentary for learning about these brilliant comedians and character actors. The attraction of this film comes not from innovative storytelling or dramatic setups, but simply from the talent and charm of the performers. The best part about seeing it at SIFF was that three ventriloquists were on hand for a Q&A session - or rather, an impromptu performance session. That was quite a treat!

SIFF Day 3: Reviews

I love movies! Today I caught two that I really liked, and they were so different from each other - innocent vs. nasty, real vs. surreal - yet they were both quirky, refreshing, and creative. Throw in another solid documentary and a campy comedy, and a little time spent at the Folklife Festival, I got myself a great day!

Paper Heart (US) : A

Cute, warm and romantic, this pseudo-documentary about the realness of love might make you wish it was all real. See it if you get a chance!

The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle (US) : B+

Black comedies with unusual visual elements tend to be plagued by two problems: One, when substance is sacrificed in favor of style; two, when the story gets too strange for its own good and loses all its color and steam before the end is in sight. It's impressive that "Little Dizzle" by and large avoided both of those problems. Memorable characters and wonderful acting round out what it takes to make a great piece of entertainment. The opening sequence is brilliant, and so are several other sequences throughout the movie. Unfortunately, I'm not too sure about how the story resolved at the end.

Trimpin: The Sound of Invention (US) (Doc) : B-

Documentary about a brilliant artist/musician/engineer/inventor. I wanted to see more!

Chef’s Special (Spain) : B

Campy, soapy fun.

Also, the opening night film:

In the Loop (UK) : C

A political satire that focuses more on antics than storylines.

SIFF Movie Reviews

Before the festival officially starts (tonight), here are a few reviews from press screenings:

Humpday (US) : B+ (website)

Seattle filmmaker Lynn Shelton tells an intriguing story based on the real-life "Humpfest," an amateur porn festival organized by "The Stranger." Two long-lost friends, both straight male, reunite after embarking on very different life paths. On a dare (or is it?), they decide to enter the Humpfest by filming themselves having sex. Did I mention one of them has a wife? So here we are, a hotel room, two straight dudes, and a video camera. What's next?? Despite the sensationalistic premise, Lynn and her two leading men handled the story with an admirable sense of honesty and subtlety, allowing you to connect with the characters and ultimately feel for them.

Tulpan (Kazakhstan) : B-

A young man returns from the military and joins his relatives in the steppe, with the goal of acquiring both a herd and a wife. He is quite taken with the neighbor's daughter, Tulpan, even though his proposal was rejected and he hasn't even seen her in person. The characters are moderately charming and the story is laid back... Perhaps too laid back. At times, the movie feels about as exciting as being stuck in a sandstorm on the steppe. Verdict: Enjoy with a healthy dose of patience.

Art & Copy (US) (Doc) : B-

This documentary about art in advertising is masterful, enjoyable, informational, yet slightly disengaging. It was as if the director had no concern over whether the audience was interested in the topic... Kinda ironic for a movie about advertising, don't you think?

SIFF 2009 - Bring It On!!

14.
23.
27.
43.
27.
41.
34.

These are the numbers of screenings I attended at each year's SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival) starting from 2002, my first year living in Seattle. Since 2003, I've purchased a full-series pass every year. Many pass holders attend 60+ screenings during the festival, and some even go above 100. For me though, due to work and other activities (such as dragon boating), I always had limited capacity for racking up big numbers.

This year, I am self-employed, I am no longer the captain of my dragon boat team, and I only have one scheduled weekend away during the festival. So, let's see what number I can pull off!!

* NOTE: I use the term "screening" to refer to one time block of film(s), or one "sitting." Most screenings consist of one feature-length film. Some are "shorts packages" that each contains a number of short films; some others include one feature-length film and one short film. SIFF typically plays close to 300 feature films and shorts packages during its 25-day run.

Summer Movie Reviews

The summer movie season has kicked off with a densely packed May schedule. For me though, with SIFF starting, "regular" movies may have to wait ("Angels & Demons," "Terminator Salvation," "Up").

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" : B- (It's flawed)

Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, and a slew of new characters from the X-Men universe - Those were enough reasons for me to watch this movie at its opening midnight show. Unfortunately, my optimism was not returned in favor. I liked all the characters, and most actors did a fine job settling into those characters. However, the script and the directing left much to be desired. Even worse, there were more than a few moments of let's-assume-the-audience-is-dumb, which is a surefire sign that the movie is not that intelligent either. Finally, as much as I enjoyed watching Wolverine charging around looking angry, I wish some of the other characters had received more screen time.

"Earth" : B+ (Very good)

True, this documentary is simply a condensed version of the TV series "Planet Earth." Even so, there is plenty of larger-than-life footage that deserves the big screen treatment, which means you gotta see this one in a movie theater! (It's probably not gonna be crowded, so you can pick a good seat.) The movie employs a loose storytelling structure that worked well, and moves at a brisk enough pace to keep me interested. I did find it jarring that several animal hunting stories were left unresolved, maybe in an effort to maintain a "G" rating??

"Star Trek" : A- (Great movie!)

Smart, exciting and precise, this is what a summer blockbuster should be like!! I knew next to nothing about the "Star Trek" TV series and previous movies, and I found this one to be perfectly accessible for me. My biggest worry before the movie was: "How long would it take for me to stop thinking, 'Hey, there's Sylar!'" (the Zachary Quinto connection). Thankfully, it didn't take that long.

In comparison, I was disappointed that the opening weekend gross of "Star Trek" ($79m) fell short of "Wolverine" ($85m). One week later, it turned out that there is justice after all. "Star Trek" dropped by only 46% in its second weekend, compared to 69% for "Wolverine." Which means that when all is said the done, "Star Trek" will be the one laughing its way to the bank.

Spring Movie Reviews

Didn't see too many movies this spring so here they are:

"Coraline" : A- (Great movie!)

I've always been a fan of stop-motion. Here, director Henry Selick ("The Nightmare Before Christmas") constructs a colorful, imaginative and moody world for Coraline, a braver, more determined version of Alice experiencing her own bizarro Wonderland. Stake is high as Coraline must rescue her own parents as well as several kids from the grasp of... Well, the story is not all that important (or perfect). What matters is that by the end of the movie, I not only enjoyed the visual feast, I also fell in love with Coraline... and her silent buddy boy.

Incidentally, I watched the movie in 3D. Not a bad trick... I just wish my 3D glasses were constructed better and didn't cause double-images.

"I Love You, Man" : B+ (Very good)

I went to this movie for one reason, and liked it for the same reason: Paul Rudd. His undeniable likeability and relatability carried the story and gave it a heart. I even forgave his character for performing one of the unforgivable comedy shticks in my book, known as projectile vomiting. Jason Segel's character also added enough intrigue to keep things interesting.

Oscar: My Final Score

So at the end, it was 15-6 for the 21 categories where I made my predictions. I didn't do the three Short categories (Live Action, Animated, Documentary) because I knew next to nothing about the nominees. My last-minute guesses succeeded for 1 out of the 3.

With "Slumdog" dominating the buzz, it was an easy night for forecasters, so my "score" was only OK. A summary of my downfalls:

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Penelope Cruz won instead of Viola Davis. I underestimated the importance of career track record (for Cruz) and the hold-back from limited screen time (for Davis). This is reminiscent of last year, when Ruby Dee was nominated for a brief and intense role in "American Gangster," and the award went to Tilda Swinton... I also thought this might be the one category where they recognize "Doubt"; that didn't happen and "Doubt" went home empty-handed.

BEST ACTOR: Sean Penn won instead of Mickey Rourke. Very simply, I figured too many people disliked Sean Penn - he even admitted as such in his acceptance speech - though that did not stop his win. A singular spectacular performance, like Mickey Rourke's, can definitely win in some years... Just not this time.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: "Departures" (Japan) won over "Waltz With Bashir" (Israel). "Waltz" has a winning record and is completely fascinating to me, although I wasn't familiar with the other four nominees so I'll reserve comments until I see "Departures."

BEST FILM EDITING: On a whim I picked "The Dark Knight," and deep down I really knew it would be "Slumdog Millionaire." Duh.

BEST SOUND EDITING & BEST SOUND MIXING: The two forever confusing categories. I predicted "Wall-E" for Editing and "The Dark Knight" for Mixing, and I was only half-half-right. "The Dark Knight" won for Editing and "Slumdog" took Mixing.

Overall, I thought it was a great Oscar year with multiple win-worthy contenders in every major category. Best wishes for 2009!

Oscar: Other predictions

ORIGINAL SCORE: Slumdog Millionaire
ORIGINAL SONG: "Jai Ho," Slumdog Millionaire
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: Waltz with Bashir
ACTOR: Mickey Rourke
ACTRESS: Kate Winslet
DIRECTOR: Danny Boyle, Slumdog
FILM: Slumdog

Oscar: Editing

Although I previously predicted "The Dark Knight," I have to say it's probably gonna be Slumdog again.

Oscar: More technical categories

I hope I remembered the difference between Sound Editing and Sound Mixing correctly...

SOUND EDITING: Wall-E
SOUND MIXING: The Dark Knight
VISUAL EFFECT: Benjamin Button

Oscar: Documentary

Feature: "Man On Wire" is the one with the heat. Unfortunately I haven't seen it. I did watch "Trouble The Water" at SIFF and loved it, so I would be celebrating in the off chance that it wins!

Short: No idea!

Oscar: Best Supporting Actor

If it's not Heath Ledger, I would be falling off my chair.

Oscar: Makeup

It's gonna be Benjamin Button's #2!

Oscar: Costume Design

My prediction: If they gave it to "Marie Antoinette," they are probably gonna give it to "The Duchess."

Oscar: Art Direction

Benjamin Button!!

Oscar: Slumdog vs. Benjamin

The big battle this year, as everyone knows, is Slumdog Millionaire vs. Benjamin Button. Since I have seen both, I can make my honest evaluations on their head-to-head battles:

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Should win: Slumdog Millionaire
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire

BEST SOUND MIXING
Should win: Neither (The Dark Knight)
Will win: The Dark Knight

BEST EDITING
Should win: Neither (The Dark Knight)
Will win: The Dark Knight

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Should win: Benjamin Button
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Should win: Benjamin Button
Will win (already won): Slumdog Millionaire

BEST DIRECTOR
Should win: Danny Boyle (Slumdog)
Will win: Danny Boyle

BEST PICTURE
Should win: Benjamin Button
Will win: Slumdog Millionaire

Oscar: Animated Feature

Wall-E, DUH!

Oscar: Screenplay continued

1:1 so far :-)

Best Adapted Screenplay: What a heavyweight category!! All five deserve it to a certain degree, and I of course root for my favorite, Benjamin Button. However, I'm pretty sure this is gonna be the start of Slumdog's winning tally for tonight.

Oscar: Screenplay Predictions

OK, 0:1 so far after Best Supporting Actress :-

Best Original Screenplay prediction: Milk, although wouldn't it be a hoot if Wall-E wins??

My Last-Minute Oscar Prediction

It's 5:39pm and Hugh Jackman is still doing his opening number, so I'm not too late to publish my forecast :-)

Oh, they are about to hand out Best Supporting Actress... For this one, I'm rooting for Viola Davis, although I wouldn't be surprised if Penelope Cruz gets it.

More later...

We're done shooting!

Successfully finished film shoot for my short "Family Time" today! Yay!! It was so much fun :-)

More later...

Holiday Movie Reviews

"Slumdog Millionaire" : A- (Great movie!)

First let me get this out of the way: This is a smart, touching, enthralling, one heck of a movie. OK, now I can nitpick.

Three central characters of "Slumdog" are each played by three different actors/actresses. In a parallel pattern, the movie seems to go through three different personalities as well. Following the young children through a series of fable-like adventures, the first third of the movie sizzles with an astonishingly vibrant depicton of the Mumbai slums. As the children leap into early teens, the story takes a harsh turn into darker, occasionally extreme territories. The final segment lightens up considerably, eventually slipping into the sappy cliches of a Hollywood love story. The only unfortunate effect of this trilogy of a structure? After such a strong setup, the final conclusion comes off as a slight let-down.

Holiday Movie Reviews

"Frost/Nixon" : B+ (Very good)

I'll be honest, I am a little ignorant about American history. Not "Jaywalking" ignorant, just to the level that I didn't know anything about the Frost interview before hearing about this movie. Now, I'll be honest again and say this is not normally "my kind of movie," and I went to it largely because of the great reviews. Two hours later, I was impressed and entertained. Thankfully, the story was positioned more as a match between two ambitious men than as a history lesson. I enjoyed the drama, I enjoyed the power play, and I enjoyed Frank Langella who was a fascinating Nixon despite a lack of visual resemblance. I did wish there had been a deeper look into Frost's inner journey during the whole process. More importantly, I kept wondering how much dramatization there is in this retelling of a well-known piece of history. After seeing some excerpts of the real Frost interview (on YouTube), I realized the answer is "quite a bit." Oh well... After all, to expect otherwise might be as realistic as expecting a non-airbrushed photo on the cover of "Vogue."

Holiday Movie Reviews

"Valkyrie" : B+ (Very good)

Director Bryan Singer delivers again in his cunning ability to create tense and absorbing drama with a naturalistic approach. Like a storyteller who just sits there sipping his tea and telling his little story, and you suddenly find your hands tightly gripping the edge of your seat, palms all sweaty. Tom Cruise is excellent (by his standards at least), and the supporting cast is very strong. Unfortunately, there seems to be something inherently unsatisfying in watching a noble action unfold while knowing from the beginning that it will fall short at the end. Certainly, a movie about a known "failure" can still be fulfilling; this one doesn't quite get there.

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" : A (I LOVE IT!!)

I'm gonna use a phrase that might make me sound old or old-fashioned: "They don't make movies like this anymore!" This is a true romantic epic, a story where time and emotions are forever entangled. Eternal questions about life and love get revisited through the world of Benjamin Button, a man who is born old and ages backwards. From the moment when the marching of time was introduced as a theme, it cast a magic spell that never let up throughout the movie - A spell that made it easy to forgive any small flaws hidden under the grandieur of the story, a spell that could stay with you for a long time afterwards. Major credits go to the makeup and CG work that enabled Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett to play the same characters from teenage through the 80s, creating a continuity that's virtually impossible to achieve with multiple actors.

More to come...

Short Film "Family Time"

As many of you know, my current focus is on making documentaries. That said, I really want to do narrative films as well. So when I went to a playwrights festival by SIS Productions, and heard a funny little script by my friend Kathy Hsieh, I thought: "This would make a nice short film!" The story is about an Asian American family (mom, daughter, son) and their "family time." A simple story with a great message.

Things moved quickly after I met with Kathy to discuss the project. It's gonna be a no-budget, no-frill kind of production. In other words, quick and fun!

We are currently in the process of auditioning actors. Interestingly, we've had very few candidates coming in for the role of the young son (age 9-11). Where are all the little Asian boys??

Also, we are looking for some suitable furniture for the living room set. A sofa, a coffee table, a piece of wall art, a rug, and one or two end tables/cabinets. Think about a stereotypical first-generation Asian immigrant family. Or things that can fit in with a typical Chinese restaurant. If you have leads on this (in Seattle area, obviously), please let me know!

Filming will occur sometime later this month. I will keep you posted as the project goes on :-)

Happy New Year!

Hello everyone - Welcome to my movie blog! This will be a space for me to post my movie reviews, updates on my movie and video projects, and any other related topics. Check back often, and let me know what you think!

Yours Sincerely,
- Zheng