A werther's original for breakfast, half day at work and 4 movies, whew! Hm..getting hungry again. More firsts at VIFF for me - this time, sitting in the very front row for Flamenco Flamenco as I was the 4th last person to get in from the rush line! Spent the rest of the day watching films at the Vogue and avoided the rain for the most part. Looking forward to a slightly shorter day tomorrow where I'll actually be home early (ie 10pm)
FLAMENCO FLAMENCO (Spain)
If you've seen Carlos Saura's previous films, notably Fados from several years ago, you are in for a treat. Unlike Morente the other flamenco film this year, Flamenco Flamenco is a series of staged for the screen videos moving from fast paced pieces of flamenco to slower numbers as well, mixing in dance and song. There a number of beautiful parts of the film, though there are a few that are less dazzling. The music is amazing and you can even close your eyes to appreciate it more as there are no subtitles for the lyrics, just make sure you don't sleep and dream. Parts of this film is reminiscent for some Fados segments in terms of cinematic style.
4/5 sadly this film currently has no more screenings but cross your fingers it will play again in Vancouver
RESTORATION (Israel)
When an old man finds out his antique furniture is broke after his business partner's death, the discovery and determination to hold onto it leads to an eventual decision of what is important to him. Family or his life in the shop. Well acted with a good script, as well as a piano track that plays on the discovery of the antique Steinway piano that is being refurbished in hopes of saving the business.
3.75/5 playing Monday October 10th at 8pm
FOOTNOTE (Israel)
Professor Shkolnik and Professor Shkolnik are father and son, and both Talmud scholars. Father Eliezer Shkolnik has never received any recognition aside from a footnote while his son Uriel has been surpassing his father and winning all the awards. After a fun introduction to the two men, accompanied by the most appropriate of fun music to set the tone, we get into the thick of the plot where the Israel Prize is mistakenly awarded to the elder Shkolnik instead of the younger. Insisting his father get the award after being passed over 19 times, Uriel shows a great respect for his father, despite not being on the best of awards, while Eliezer not realizing goes on to bash his son and his work in an interview. The film seems to end a bit too soon, but a fun watch at the dynamics at work.
3.75/5 plays October 11th at 415pm
MISS BALA (Mexico)
Laura Guerrero wants to win the Miss Baja California beauty competition, but finds herself caught in the crossfire between drug gangs and the authorities when her friend is shot and missing from a club. A tumultuous tale about a girl whose best chances at survival is to stay alive and get her friend back. Though she may seem a bit passive and submissive, Laura shows great courage for her friend's return in a bleak world. Well paced for the subject matter and something to see as perhaps this is hope.
3.5/5 plays Friday October 7th at 3pm
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