Full day before taking it easy for turkey weekend (aka Saturday and Sunday), back to a full slate for Monday. Another one to add to the top 10 =)
CAIRO EXIT (Egypt)
Tarek and Amal are a couple struggling to find their place in Cairo where not only is employment is looking good, but also facing disapproval as one is Muslim and the other Christian. Despite how much he loves Amal, Tarek is ready to leave Cairo for a better life. He wants her to come along, and she wants him to the stay - even a baby doesn't change his mind. As we get a better understanding of their lives, each event adds to a growing support towards a decision to leave. Good story, but sounds like there are mixed reviews. If you've got time, it's worth checking out and the ending is a bit open ended, leaving to interpret and understand to your will.
3/5 playing Tuesday October 11th at 6pm
BIG BLUE LAKE (Hong Kong)
A young woman Lai Wah returns home to a Hong Kong village after being away for 10 years. She finds her mom has Alzheimer's and reunites with an old classmate, Chun. With much having changed over time, Lai Wah finds herself finally reconnecting with her family, while Chun gets called for not dealing with his problems. A sweet little film that might appeal to some. Guests from the film are here including star Leila Tong who some might recognize from her roles in various TVB dramas.
3/5 plays Friday October 14th at 130pm
TARGET (Russia)
A group of rich people descend into a whole and return to their lives rejuvenated and seemingly having stopped aging. What ensues is how the trip affected their well being and that immortality (or perhaps eternal youth) isn't all laughter and happiness. The first portion of the film is great, setting up the concept of this well of youth, but what follows (which is most of the film) almost goes off on a tangent where some viewers might get lost. Most of the characters seem to head off on a downward spiral as we almost forget about Target in the first place. The landscape surrounding Target though is breathtaking and the production design is neat for a future that's not too far off. The end does drag out though, so if you have to leave, so be it, unless you wants to see something that possibly might be Guinness worthy.
2.5/5 great concept and bonus for the landscape, otherwise plays Sunday October 9th at 8pm for you to decide for yourself.
STARBUCK (Canada)
Ah, Quebec, how we love your movies. This gem is the story of David Wozniak who donated sperm in his youth and has just discovered that he has fathered 533 children, 142 of whom have filed a class action suit to discover his identity. David delivers meat and has never made anything of himself, but his curiosity gets the better of him as he begins to find out and interact with his children (without admitting his identity). It's a touching thing seeing him take on responsibility when he mostly hasn't, helping his kids out and making an impact on their lives - a good thing that is never to late. Full of humour and laughter, he's a father to be proud of. The film never lags and swims along to yes, a family at last. A little spoiler there, but then again, you probably expected that. With this film, the journey is more important and the ending will leave you satisfied.
4.5/5 plays Saturday October 8th at 7pm and Sunday October 9th at 1245pm
SLEEPING BEAUTY (Australia)
Novelist Julia Leigh is writer/director of this screenplay winner at Venice 2011 about a young woman Lucy (Emily Browning) who takes on a side job where old men pay to play with her body while she's asleep, doing anything they please except penetrate her. Lucy is passive and distant, her character doesn't really grab the audience as she comes across somewhat unsympathetic. A lack of rising action leaves the film slumbering as you watch Lucy sleeping and moving through other part time jobs and classes. Her relationship with her dying friend is a more touching subplot but still doesn't give us much more of an insight. A lot is left to inference and some might find nudity overload. You'll either like this or not like this. Interesting concept that doesn't quite turn out quite where you think it would.
2.5/5 bonus marks for Emily Browning staying "asleep" for all those scenes - plays Sunday October 9th at 4pm
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