Archives for 2014

Jimi: All Is By My Side 4 stars. Great portrayal of Jimi by the lead made this film. Also an accurate depiction of the times. The role of women - discovering his talent then supporting him (despite his behaviour) featured strongly. Loved the clothes - swinging sixties in London. A hard hitting vignette about police harassment on the streets a … [Read more...] about MIFF Day Sixteen

Queen And Country 4 stars. Loved this film. Evocative of time (1950s) and place (England). Boys conscripted - maybe off to the Korean War. The damage wrought by the Second World War still clearly evident. But shades of the new world emerging. Autobiographical - based on the director John Boorman's life. Great performances by everybody. Lovely warm … [Read more...] about MIFF Day Fifteen

Trespassing Bergman 4 stars. I'd read somewhere that this documentary about Ingmar Bergman had too many talking heads for its own good but I didn't really think so. Could have lost the three actors (Holly Hunter, Laura Dern and Robert De Niro) who didn't have much connection. But all the directors, and Swedish actors, who spoke were each … [Read more...] about MIFF Day Fourteen

Patema Inverted 3 stars. Sweet animation. About adolescent and not knowing whether you are up or down! Literally. Also about being grounded and finding your feet. The bon mots could go on. Also presented a possible dystopian view of the future of the planet. Although the scientist who wrecked the world were presented as good guts - and the only … [Read more...] about MIFF Day Thirteen

School of Babel 5 stars. Beautifully layered look at how young people from very diverse backgrounds are managing their move to France. Unfolds slowly. Covers the course of their first year and you slowly learn about their circumstances through classroom activities and parent - teacher interviews. Very moving. Amour Fou 5 stars. Exquisite film. … [Read more...] about MIFF Day Twelve

National Gallery 3 stars. Interesting to compare to The Great Museum. Very similar, but I think this was a little better. More focused. I really enjoyed the lectures on particular paintings. And seeing the actual conservation techniques and hearing about the issues involved. All these experts! An early debate about the Gallery's accessibility was … [Read more...] about MIFF Day Eleven