Getting straight down to them:
THE GREEN WAVE (Germany, Iran)
A partly animated documentary (somewhat similar to Waltz with Bashir from several years past) interwoven with live action interviews and archival footage takes in back to the 2009 elections in Iran. An interesting look behind what was happening as riveting animation brings to life the stories of the bloggers.
3.5/5
MY PIECE OF THE PIE (France)
When the local factory closes, mother of three France heads to Paris to find a job as a cleaning lady, only to land a job with the man responsible - Steve. For much of the film she doesn't realize who he really as as their employer/employee relationship evolves to one of trust and friendship. After a night in Steve's bed, France discovers a double betrayal and makes a decision that will bring Steve to Dunkirk (her hometown) to face what he had done.
A very good film that has the laughter among the serious. An interesting relationship that sadly doesn't end too well. There is some debate about the ending, but that depends on who you are. You may be one person in the world, but you can affect the world, and good luck when one of the people you hurt and betray is a woman.
4/5
THE FAIRY (Belgium, France)
This offbeat comedy follows several intertwined story lines where all the characters come in contact at a fairy who checks into hotel. Primarily gag-driven, the plot is a bit lacking once the first "magical" sequence starts: when they dance underwater and slip into a giant oyster shell. From there, absurdity shows up often and you have to have a certain sense of humor to like this film and not get tired of watching the gags. Might have worked better as a silent film.
2/5
PASSIONFLOWER (Canada)
Manitoba writer/director Shelagh Carter's debut is a drama about a dysfunctional family where young teenager Sarah is discovering sexuality as her mother is flaunting it and getting into affairs. She's confused and only wants to be loved by parents who don't overly show their affection. For a write up that focuses on Sarah, much of the film goes to show the comings and goings, as well as fights in their household, taking away from Sarah's story a bit. There are nice sequences of her with her friend Charlie, otherwise her constant eavesdropping on her parents and their friends does help put one in her shoes. More art-house with restrained acting that could have really exploded for members of the cast aside from Sarah's mother Beatrice.
2.5/5 plays Thursday October 13th at noon
TYRANNOSAUR (UK)
Yet another debut at VIFF, this UK film is about Joseph, a raging drunk and a thrift shop worker Hannah who extends a little bit of kindness that he returns for. After a 2nd conversation that pushes them apart, they slowly begin to grow closer as Hannah's problems at home prove Joseph wrong - she isn't living the best life, and despite all he has to deal with, his life isn't as bad as it seems. The items of worthy most of note in this film are the character arcs and how they almost switch in terms of good and bad, and Peter Mullan's performance. His accent is a bit thick though so it might be hard to catch all the dialogue.
3.75/5 this film is being released so keep an eye out for it. There is significant animal cruelty though, so be forewarned. UK folks, this one also opens in October where you are, if it hasn't already
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