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.