SIFF REPORT June 1-3 (Plus GET HIM TO THE GREEK)

GRADE ---A

HIPSTERS--Russia--Set in the 1950's and featuring jazz and blues music and songs (some original and some classic) this is a creative telling of a group of mostly young people who are rebelling against repression by wearing outrageously colorful clothing and engaging in wild dancing and pranks, much to the disgust of Communist party regulars who all wear drab grey and black suits. This might relate to the "beatnik" and pre-hippie (and McCarthy)era in the USA when being different brought censorship and blacklisting. But this movie is mostly for fun, and even if some of the lyrics don't make a lot of sense (like they should do on a Broadway play, for example) it's easy to sit back and watch the engaging choreographed dancing and movement and songs and the amusing costumes. And most importantly, there is plenty of plot that feels just about right. This film puts a smile on just about EVERYONE'S face.

AGORA--Spain/US--Rachel Weisz shines as the real-life philosopher and astronomer who taught at the famed library of Alexandria in the fifth century and becomes embroiled in religious conflict between Jews and early Christians and pagans. None of the religious factions come off very well-- and it's horrifying to realize that these conflicts (religious wars) have been plaguing humanity for over 2000 years. This is a serious, intelligent, intimate epic told with visual flair and energy.
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GRADE----B+

BLESSED--Australia--The director finds emotional poetry in the bleak and sad lives of several troubled teens over the course of one day, and then repeats the same story from the parents point of view, with heartbreaking results.

UNDERTOW----Peru--Despite some obnoxious presentation glitches (the color and sound flicking in and out) and the appearance of a large watermark warning every 15 minutes throughout the film, this remains possibly the most moving film of SIFF this year so far. (See also THE HEDGEHOG and LETTERS TO FATHER JACOB.) A new father in a poor fishing village is torn between societal acceptance and his attraction to his artist lover. Take BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, DONA FLOR AND HER TWO HUSBANDS, and GHOST, and put them in a blender with a pinch of hot sauce--this is a lovely fantasy film.
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GRADE --- B

BRIDE FLIGHT--Netherlands--Romantic melodrama about 3 women who immigrate from the Netherlands to New Zealand, and all involved to some degree with the same man over 50 years.

LAST TRAIN HOME--China--What starts as a horror documentary about billions of Chinese who try to migrate home from their long distance jobs for the New Year every year, and end up waiting for sometimes days to get out on overcrowded trains and buses, turns into a sad and chilling tale of the strain this type of migrating worker situation puts on the all the family.

I MISS YOU--Argentina--A subtle and sad story of a family whose son "disappears" during the ruthless military dictatorships in the 1970's.

PATAGONIA--Argentina/Wales--Familiar but well done tale cutting between two stories--an old woman wants to go from Argentina to Wales to visit the farm where she was born, and in the other, a couple goes from Wales to Patagonia to take pictures and finds a strain on their relationship.
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GRADE----B-

RUN IF YOU CAN--Germany--Menage a trois between a paraplegic, his care taker and a young musician.
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GRADE ----C+

FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS--Spain--A strong first hour is undercut by melodrama and quirky plot twists from THE TWILIGHT ZONE, by way of ER. A young doctor finds his hands can heal, but that comes at a price.
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GRADE-----C

SENIOR PROM, MEET MONICA VELOUR, MOTHER JOAN OF ANGLES

GRADE-----C-

TURISTAS, THE ATHLETE
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GRADE------D

KITES--Not from SIFF, but features actors speaking tritely in Hindi, Spanish and English (sometimes all at the same time)--this is more of a non stop music video with stupid action plot and beautiful shiny white teeth actors, who look great in their underwear.


---------ALSO, not from SIFF----------------

GET HIM TO THE GREEK----Vulgar, crude, lewd, drug and alcohol drenched story about a simple music executive trying to get an out of control rock musician from London to Los Angeles in time for a comeback concert. If you are not offended by sexuality, nudity, profanity, vomit, etc,etc,etc....then this just might be the FUNNIEST FRICKING MOVIE OF THE SUMMER!!!!
GRADE------A-