Halfway through VIFF and there seems to be better films this year compared to last after a slow start - either that, or I'm getting better in picking films I like =) In any case, I have a new favorite VIFF film - MITSUKO DELIVERS. Including the media screenings, it's been a few weeks since I found a favorite film THE SANDMAN, so you have an idea how much I loved this film. I've also found myself being more generous with the scoring, but as someone pointed out, earlier on in the festival, you keep scores a little lower in anticipation of great films to come, so for a recap of my favorite films, tune in at the end of the festival. Until then, I'm sure more great films will continue to play.
TAKE THIS WALTZ (Canada)
Sarah Polley's second feature stars Michelle Williams as Margot, a whimsical woman who is afraid of being in between things. When she meets Daniel (Luke Kirby) on a work assignment in Louisbourg NS, she begins to grow slowly away from her husband Lou (Seth Rogen) as she falls in love and finds joy in her life again. While the synopsis describes this film as exploring relationships, but perhaps it questions more the decision to be content and settled, or to take a leap and go after the excitement and opportunity to truly be alive and in love. The relationship between Margot and Lou, and Margot and Daniel, are quite distinct in their characteristics - different yet the same. Restraint, and wanting the best for the other person, sometimes we just have to let go.
3.75/5 no more screenings yet at VIFF, but watch for this to be released theatrically
MITSUKO DELIVERS (Japan)
Ishii Yuya's third film at VIFF continues to show his budding talent for great story and direction. While his first film Bare Assed Japan didn't win the Dragons & Tigers award that year, he went on to make last year's great comedy Sawako Decides which played at the Pacific Cinematheque at VIFF, and now his latest is a world premiere at the Vogue Theatre (Visa Screening Room) at VIFF and a gala film. Mitsuko Delivers is no disappointment at all, in fact exceeding all expectations I had, and believe me, after watching Sawako Decides, I was excited for this film.
Mitsuko is an eternally optimistic young woman who goes with the flow, letting the wind guide where she goes, what she should do and then finds the strength to make things happen to help others. In her 9th month of pregnancy, she finds herself back to a childhood home where the poor lived. Despite her condition, she goes around helping others from revitalizing a restaurant to setting a couple up, some people she knew, others were complete strangers she gave her last dime to. If there ever could be a utopia, Mitsuko would be the one to create it. The script hits all the right notes and doesn't miss a thing as you'll find yourself swept along, just as Mitsuko drifts along, following her cloud and taking naps to clear her mind and await for the right time (wind). Great comedic performances by the entire cast and a fantasic use of music that sets the mood, keep your eye out for Yuya's next film which hopefully won't be too far off.
5/5 plays Friday October 7th at noon and Monday October 10th at 11am
I couldn't find a trailer for this film, but here's a link to the trailer for Sawako Decides.
INNI: SIGUR ROS (Canada, Iceland, UK)
A live film that visually mirrors the music of Sigur Ros. Most of the images lean towards experimental and are soft black and white images which takes you back in time. archives are also used to add some history to the band as well as earlier performances. Great shots that aren't conventional live concert shots which really helps emphasize the ethereal feeling of the music itself as well. Definitely worth checking out. There are some sections that almost mimic a strobe effect, so take note if that might bother you physically.
3.5/5 plays Saturday October 8th at 4pm
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