It is hardly a politically correct movie, with scenes of abuse, rape, prostitution, drug abuse, torture, religious corruption, porn addiction, etc,etc,etc....This film VIVA RIVA! shown several weeks ago at SIFF is NOT DULL, and these days that is something to recommend it. It's a lively, sometimes funny, sometimes brutal story of a friendly gangster who steels a truckload of gasoline from a more brutal gangster, and spends the movie running from other gangsters and the police, plus the corrupt military which in this case is headed by a nasty lesbian. You get the picture, but you will not be bored. GRADE----------B
Another SIFF entry opening today is THE TRIP, a two character talk-a-thon that features actor and comedians and impressionists Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon playing themselves as they drive through northern England visiting lots of fancy restaurants and trying to play one-upsmanship with each other. It's like a comic version of MY DINNER WITH ANDRE, and contains beautiful scenery, luscious looking food and an a capello version of Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights sung by the two leads. What's not to like? GRADE-----------------B
Appropriately named, THE ART OF GETTING BY is a tired young man coming of age movie, with Freddie Highmore playing a high school senior who over thinks his life so much so that he can hardly function as a student, son, and boyfriend. When the girl Emma Roberts makes a pass at him he nearly becomes catatonic. Can he pull himself together in time to save his mother's marriage, get the girl, and graduate from High School? Does anyone really care? Do teens really talk like sullen philosophers? Why does the director insist on using the hand held herky jerky camera so damn much? These uncompelling questions are answered in THE ART OF GETTING BY. Barely.
GRADE-------------C
_________________
See my BEST OF SIFF 2011 report in the previous blog (June 14)---
In the meantime, SIFF has brought back some films for the BEST OF SIFF playing this weekend only at SIFF CINEMA at the SEATTLE CENTER/MCCAW HALL. Some I have not seen. Some shown are decent, if unexciting, like BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY, which is the type of documentary that seems likely to play continuously on PBS, since it is mostly about a key player on/behind SESAME STREET. I thought ON THE ICE was very interesting, with Barrow Alaska becoming an eerie, white, sinister character in the sad murder mystery that threatens to rip apart the small Eskimo community. Also well done is the Norwegian film KING OF DEVIL'S ISLAND, about (the miserable and cold) life in an island prison for wayward boys. An audience favorite is the sentimental but effective PAPER BIRDS--bring Kleenex. And the documentary TO BE HEARD is a clear-headed, hopeful story of three high school students who dream of using their talents as hip-hop poets as their ticket out of the ghetto--but a lot stands in their way.
But if you have only two hours to spend, GO SEE HOW TO DIE IN OREGON--the best that is being shown this weekend. It's a heartbreaking, devastating documentary about the Right to Die initiative in Oregon a few years back, which later came to Washington state. The shocking opening scene follows an elderly sick man as he ends his own life of pain, and then it follows several key patients and proponents as it explores their beliefs, hopes, philosophies of life and death, and decisions. The film is actually very empowering and hopeful, and in spite of some grim facts, you will leave the theatre rather exhilarated.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Final SIFF Report thru June 12, BEST OF SIFF 2011
My screenings for the final weekend included:
PRINCESS-----------GRADE B
Finnish film based on a true story about a woman with mental problems, finally rejected by her mother, and ending up in a mental hospital. It's familiar stuff (think ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST, etc) but the microcosm of society is still fascinating to watch. The woman believes (and acts) like she is some sort of royalty and gets the other patients and doctors to fall in line, to humorous and moving results. The actors are all effective, and really gives the viewer pause as to what really is the line between reality and insanity.
IF I WANT TO WHISTLE, I WHISTLE-----------GRADE B
A Romanian eighteen year old boy is about to be released from reform school when he learns that his deadbeat mom is planning to take his younger brother to Italy with her for work--and he hates his mom for years of neglect. He flips out, and pursues the only path he feels is left to him to prevent this from happening--violence. The film takes place entirely in the reform school, but is not claustrophobic at all, and the cast, many of them non-professional ring very true. Nicely done.
ALMANYA-------------GRADE A
Comic German film about a large family of Turkish descent who are thrown into a tizzy when the patriarch announces that the whole family will accompany him during the next vacation break, back to Turkey to visit a new "vacation" home that he has recently purchased. The film lovingly (and perhaps a bit sentimentally) flashes back to the time when the grandfather was immigrating to Germany with his new young family, then flashes forward to show the the adventures they are having adjusting to a Turkey that most of them know nothing about. The film is presented endearingly to show that in spite of their differences, this is a family that will stick together to overcome any adversity, while learning new respect for their heritage. A pleasure to watch.
SEVDAH FOR KARIM-------GRADE B+
This tough minded film set in Sarajevo after the war, has Karim working in the fields clearing away the many explosive mines that have been left behind by the USA and others, making very little (if any) money, and trying to fight off despair and depression. His best friend is a brutish ruffian, and Karim falls in love with his friends girl, which only leads to further angst and guilt. "SEVDAH in Bosnian means an unfulfilled yearning, longing, or love sickness" (per SIFF program) and this becomes a metaphor for what is happening emotionally to many of the (youthful) population since the war ended. A thoughtful, grim, intellectually sad film.
NORWEGIAN WOOD---------GRADE C
Young Japanese man pursues two mentally unstable women, in spite of repeated warnings and blatant symptoms that come evident to him over a few years. Early on, during sex with one woman who used to date his best friend who committed suicide, he blurts out, upon discovering that she is still a virgin, "why didn't you have sex with my friend?"---a logical question spoken at an inappropriate moment. From that point on, however, his logic seems to have been overtaken by---what? His penis? or his EGO? or his YOUTH? I kept wanting to make inappropriate vocal comments to the main character's actions--mostly to the tune of "Run run run as fast as you can away from this damaged woman...." but the film, which is beautifully photographed and directed, feels relentlessly hostile and cynical towards the romanticism that should have or could have been the real effective point of this drama. A frustrating and unsatisfying experience.
ILLEGAL-------------GRADE B
I want to give this film an "A"--it could be one of the best of SIFF. It has a gripping story and a bravura lead performance by a woman who is an illegal in France from Russia, via Poland, and she gets arrested and sent to a detention/holding center, and struggles to mother, via phone, her 13 years old boy who is living with a kind neighbor. The plot, characters, actors, subplots are all GREAT. THE BIG PROBLEM---this film is photographed with the most AGGRESSIVELY hand-held camera I've seen all month, to the point that it distracts from the natural tension created from each scene, and I literally could not watch most scenes for very long without feeling nauseous and/or dizzy. What a shame!!!!!!!!!
LATE AUTUMN--------GRADE B
Well filmed in Seattle and surrounding areas, to excellent stylistic and emotional effect, this slight would be romance deals with a woman released temporarily from prison (!) for killing her abusive husband, to attend her mother's funeral, and meeting up with a gigolo, with whom she ends up spending some time, and the two seem attracted to each other (!) Yes, the plot is a bit awkward and forced at times, and the final bit of "action" seems very unnecessary, but the actors are good and the film is easy to watch.
THE POLL DIARIES--------GRADE A
SIFF goes out with a BANG for me with a viewing of this German/Russian/Estonian film based on the early life of a famous German poet Oda Schaefer (whose work seems to be unavailable now). Fifteen year old Oda returns to her family estate called Poll just before the outbreak of WWI with the body of her recently deceased mother and a co joined twin fetus stored in alcohol for her remarried "doctor" father, who loves to cut up and study the bodies of anarchists found nearby. She soon finds and hides and nurses to health a wounded "anarchist" and learns many life lessons in the meantime. The film set designs and locations are quite striking, with much of the action taking place in a sawmill turned laboratory (filled with jars of bizarre, assorted specimens, much like a little shop of horrors) and nearby is the estate, a strange looking three story mansion at the very end of a pier that is literlly built on a pile of rocks in the ocean, and the top two stories have extensions and balconies that make the entire building looking like a fragile but stocky letter "T". The film direction is elegant in an old fashioned, epic manner, the actors are spot on and I was gripped from beginning to end by the odd, suspenseful mood that was created. There's nothing like "pickled babies" to remember SIFF 2011 by.
*********************************************************************************
BEST FILMS of SIFF 2011
I saw 130 films this year at SIFF, which includes 3 that I saw at other places within the past year. There were more D's and F's than ever before (9 films), and the largest number of grade C than ever before (about 26). Still, there were 95 films that I graded B- or better!!!!!!! Here's a list of films to watch for that were my favorites..........
Top Fiction Films
THE POLL DIARIES
ALMANYA
THE WHISTLE BLOWER
A FEW DAYS RESPITE
CLINK OF ICE
WASTED ON THE YOUNG
AMADOR
3 (THREE)
CRYING OUT
AFTERNOONS WITH MARGARITTE
WEEKEND
PAPER BIRDS
PERFECT SENSE
DETECTIVE DEE & MYSTERY OF PHANTOM FLAME
WE ARE THE NIGHT
STOOL PIGEON
SPUD
SEVDAH FOR KARIM
The above are B+ or better. Here's a few more great films rated B: ABSENT, BURKE & HARE, COPACABANA, FOUR MORE YEARS, THE FUTURE, GUN HILL ROAD, HAPPY HAPPY, KING OF DEVIL'S ISLAND, LIFE OF FISH, MAGIC TRIP: KEN KESEY'S.., ON TOUR, POR EL CAMINO, PRINCESS, ROMEOS, ROUTE IRISH, SAIGON ELECTRIC, SALVATION BLVD, SMALL TOWN MURDER SONGS, SOUND OF NOISE, TOAST, TOUCH, THE TRIP, VIVA RIVA!,WIN WIN ...
----------
Top Documentaries
HOT COFFEE
HOW TO DIE IN OREGON
LAST MOUNTAIN
MARATHON BOY
12 ANGRY LEBANESE
BUCK
PROJECT NIM
PAGE ONE: NEW YORK TIMES
SOMETHING VENTURED
TABLOID
TO BE HEARD
CAMERAMAN: LIFE AND WORK OF JACK CARDIFF
The top four Documentaries would be near the top of my top 10, when I mix the fiction and documentaries together--they were really really strong this year.
I will try to write more about each film as it opens in theatres this coming year.
For the record, these films, I thought, were really awful......although they each have their supporters.........ALL YOUR DEAD ONES, LYS, FLYING FISH, RED EYES, THE RESCUERS, and fighting it out for bottom--both were literally unwatchable for a variety of reasons--- ROTHSTEIN'S FIRST ASSIGNMENT and VAMPIRE. I'd give the edge to ROTHSTEIN--it literally drove me from the theatre at 30 minutes.
PRINCESS-----------GRADE B
Finnish film based on a true story about a woman with mental problems, finally rejected by her mother, and ending up in a mental hospital. It's familiar stuff (think ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOOS NEST, etc) but the microcosm of society is still fascinating to watch. The woman believes (and acts) like she is some sort of royalty and gets the other patients and doctors to fall in line, to humorous and moving results. The actors are all effective, and really gives the viewer pause as to what really is the line between reality and insanity.
IF I WANT TO WHISTLE, I WHISTLE-----------GRADE B
A Romanian eighteen year old boy is about to be released from reform school when he learns that his deadbeat mom is planning to take his younger brother to Italy with her for work--and he hates his mom for years of neglect. He flips out, and pursues the only path he feels is left to him to prevent this from happening--violence. The film takes place entirely in the reform school, but is not claustrophobic at all, and the cast, many of them non-professional ring very true. Nicely done.
ALMANYA-------------GRADE A
Comic German film about a large family of Turkish descent who are thrown into a tizzy when the patriarch announces that the whole family will accompany him during the next vacation break, back to Turkey to visit a new "vacation" home that he has recently purchased. The film lovingly (and perhaps a bit sentimentally) flashes back to the time when the grandfather was immigrating to Germany with his new young family, then flashes forward to show the the adventures they are having adjusting to a Turkey that most of them know nothing about. The film is presented endearingly to show that in spite of their differences, this is a family that will stick together to overcome any adversity, while learning new respect for their heritage. A pleasure to watch.
SEVDAH FOR KARIM-------GRADE B+
This tough minded film set in Sarajevo after the war, has Karim working in the fields clearing away the many explosive mines that have been left behind by the USA and others, making very little (if any) money, and trying to fight off despair and depression. His best friend is a brutish ruffian, and Karim falls in love with his friends girl, which only leads to further angst and guilt. "SEVDAH in Bosnian means an unfulfilled yearning, longing, or love sickness" (per SIFF program) and this becomes a metaphor for what is happening emotionally to many of the (youthful) population since the war ended. A thoughtful, grim, intellectually sad film.
NORWEGIAN WOOD---------GRADE C
Young Japanese man pursues two mentally unstable women, in spite of repeated warnings and blatant symptoms that come evident to him over a few years. Early on, during sex with one woman who used to date his best friend who committed suicide, he blurts out, upon discovering that she is still a virgin, "why didn't you have sex with my friend?"---a logical question spoken at an inappropriate moment. From that point on, however, his logic seems to have been overtaken by---what? His penis? or his EGO? or his YOUTH? I kept wanting to make inappropriate vocal comments to the main character's actions--mostly to the tune of "Run run run as fast as you can away from this damaged woman...." but the film, which is beautifully photographed and directed, feels relentlessly hostile and cynical towards the romanticism that should have or could have been the real effective point of this drama. A frustrating and unsatisfying experience.
ILLEGAL-------------GRADE B
I want to give this film an "A"--it could be one of the best of SIFF. It has a gripping story and a bravura lead performance by a woman who is an illegal in France from Russia, via Poland, and she gets arrested and sent to a detention/holding center, and struggles to mother, via phone, her 13 years old boy who is living with a kind neighbor. The plot, characters, actors, subplots are all GREAT. THE BIG PROBLEM---this film is photographed with the most AGGRESSIVELY hand-held camera I've seen all month, to the point that it distracts from the natural tension created from each scene, and I literally could not watch most scenes for very long without feeling nauseous and/or dizzy. What a shame!!!!!!!!!
LATE AUTUMN--------GRADE B
Well filmed in Seattle and surrounding areas, to excellent stylistic and emotional effect, this slight would be romance deals with a woman released temporarily from prison (!) for killing her abusive husband, to attend her mother's funeral, and meeting up with a gigolo, with whom she ends up spending some time, and the two seem attracted to each other (!) Yes, the plot is a bit awkward and forced at times, and the final bit of "action" seems very unnecessary, but the actors are good and the film is easy to watch.
THE POLL DIARIES--------GRADE A
SIFF goes out with a BANG for me with a viewing of this German/Russian/Estonian film based on the early life of a famous German poet Oda Schaefer (whose work seems to be unavailable now). Fifteen year old Oda returns to her family estate called Poll just before the outbreak of WWI with the body of her recently deceased mother and a co joined twin fetus stored in alcohol for her remarried "doctor" father, who loves to cut up and study the bodies of anarchists found nearby. She soon finds and hides and nurses to health a wounded "anarchist" and learns many life lessons in the meantime. The film set designs and locations are quite striking, with much of the action taking place in a sawmill turned laboratory (filled with jars of bizarre, assorted specimens, much like a little shop of horrors) and nearby is the estate, a strange looking three story mansion at the very end of a pier that is literlly built on a pile of rocks in the ocean, and the top two stories have extensions and balconies that make the entire building looking like a fragile but stocky letter "T". The film direction is elegant in an old fashioned, epic manner, the actors are spot on and I was gripped from beginning to end by the odd, suspenseful mood that was created. There's nothing like "pickled babies" to remember SIFF 2011 by.
*********************************************************************************
BEST FILMS of SIFF 2011
I saw 130 films this year at SIFF, which includes 3 that I saw at other places within the past year. There were more D's and F's than ever before (9 films), and the largest number of grade C than ever before (about 26). Still, there were 95 films that I graded B- or better!!!!!!! Here's a list of films to watch for that were my favorites..........
Top Fiction Films
THE POLL DIARIES
ALMANYA
THE WHISTLE BLOWER
A FEW DAYS RESPITE
CLINK OF ICE
WASTED ON THE YOUNG
AMADOR
3 (THREE)
CRYING OUT
AFTERNOONS WITH MARGARITTE
WEEKEND
PAPER BIRDS
PERFECT SENSE
DETECTIVE DEE & MYSTERY OF PHANTOM FLAME
WE ARE THE NIGHT
STOOL PIGEON
SPUD
SEVDAH FOR KARIM
The above are B+ or better. Here's a few more great films rated B: ABSENT, BURKE & HARE, COPACABANA, FOUR MORE YEARS, THE FUTURE, GUN HILL ROAD, HAPPY HAPPY, KING OF DEVIL'S ISLAND, LIFE OF FISH, MAGIC TRIP: KEN KESEY'S.., ON TOUR, POR EL CAMINO, PRINCESS, ROMEOS, ROUTE IRISH, SAIGON ELECTRIC, SALVATION BLVD, SMALL TOWN MURDER SONGS, SOUND OF NOISE, TOAST, TOUCH, THE TRIP, VIVA RIVA!,WIN WIN ...
----------
Top Documentaries
HOT COFFEE
HOW TO DIE IN OREGON
LAST MOUNTAIN
MARATHON BOY
12 ANGRY LEBANESE
BUCK
PROJECT NIM
PAGE ONE: NEW YORK TIMES
SOMETHING VENTURED
TABLOID
TO BE HEARD
CAMERAMAN: LIFE AND WORK OF JACK CARDIFF
The top four Documentaries would be near the top of my top 10, when I mix the fiction and documentaries together--they were really really strong this year.
I will try to write more about each film as it opens in theatres this coming year.
For the record, these films, I thought, were really awful......although they each have their supporters.........ALL YOUR DEAD ONES, LYS, FLYING FISH, RED EYES, THE RESCUERS, and fighting it out for bottom--both were literally unwatchable for a variety of reasons--- ROTHSTEIN'S FIRST ASSIGNMENT and VAMPIRE. I'd give the edge to ROTHSTEIN--it literally drove me from the theatre at 30 minutes.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
SIFF Report thru June 9th
Final weekend ahead, and still a lot to see. Here's the latest that I saw on Wed and Thur.
THE YELLOW SEA--------GRADE TBA
Another big OOOOOPPPPPSSS for the press screenings---shown without subtitles---so if you want to see it (the picture looks impressive during the first 10 minutes) make sure to call SIFF Info line to check that the subtitles will be included.
POR EL CAMINO--------GRADE B
I'm not sure exactly why I enjoyed this breezy, nearly plot less, would be romantic, road trip through Uruguay, but the scenery sure stays with me, and the characters don't jump right into bed, either. Very pleasant.
SPUD------------GRADE B+
John Cleese is the influential teacher at a private South African boys school in 1990 and the young hero has not yet developed into puberty (the term "spud" referring to his small undeveloped genitalia), and as it starts you will be thinking that this story is going to be very familiar, and for a while it is. But the characters are all likable and become unusually rounded for such a comedy/drama, the shenanigans are realistically subdued, and the film becomes quite moving by the end.
MARATHON BOY-------GRADE A
Another GREAT documentary, this one is set in India, and tells the story of a 3 year old boy who loves to run. He is adopted out of poverty by his coach, who runs an athletic/training orphanage with his wife, but because the boy is so young, controversy arises when he tries to run half and full marathons. Ethics, politics and social conflicts put up barriers between the coach and the child. There is a shocking development towards the end that I didn't see coming. This film, along with HOT COFFEE and HOW TO DIE IN OREGON are all sponsored by HBO, which will be handling their release, and they should show up on HBO later this year. THE LAST MOUNTAIN is also getting a theatrical release this summer. These are the 4 top films of SIFF this year.
ROMEOS---------GRADE B
This lively German film by a first time woman director is quite good, especially considering the complicated subject matter. Lukas is a trans-gendered 20 year old going FTM (female to male)who depends on his best friend, a lesbian, for moral support during this process. In college he falls for a flirty, bisexual hustler who doesn't know about Lukas' FTM situation. There is a lot of sexual tension, humor,
pathos and drama that feels quite real for the main character. The key role of Lukas is played by a first time actor called Rick Okon, and I kept thinking that this is one of the strongest break-through roles since BOYS DON'T CRY that I've seen.
HOLY ROLLERS: THE TRUE STORY OF CARD COUNTING CHRISTIANS------GRADE B-
A true documentary based on a group of Christian black-jack players based in Seattle is notable mainly for emphasizing how 1) Christians or otherwise can justify gambling, as long as money is being made, and 2)Christians and otherwise can be as deluded, sinful and selfish as any one else. It raises some interesting ideas, but at 93 minutes seems unfocused at times and could lose 15 minutes to editing.
FUNKYTOWN-----------GRADE B-
Set in the mid 1970 during the disco era, this slick, hoary,melodramatic cliche, filled with sex, drugs and music in Quebec, feels like a Guilty Pleasure from the start, especially with most scenes punctuated with some great disco classic covers. But the film does go on too long, and the fun starts to fizzle as cliche piles on to cliche in deadly seriousness.
THE DESTINY OF LESSER ANIMALS----------GRADE B
Interesting ethno-centric film from Ghana about a police officer trying to track down his stolen counterfeit passport so he can escape to America. Part mystery, part thriller, part character study, and part allegory to patriotism.
THE REDEMPTION OF GENERAL BUTT NAKED---------GRADE B-
Liberia's General Butt Naked was a terrifying brutal soldier during his country's 14 years of civil war, ruthlessly attacking, raping and murdering over 20,000 people (by his own admission) while naked. After the war he reinvents himself as a Bible-toting preacher, trying to turn his henchmen towards God and religion and seek forgiveness for his many sins. This is a powerful documentary, as it follows him running into survivors whose family he murdered, and it raises a lot of questions, like should he be prosecuted for war crimes, and should he be trying to convert people to Christianity when just a few years earlier he'd have rather killed them. Can we believe him? (The war time tribunal recommended amnesty towards him!) But part of the problem with the film is the rough handheld cinematography, and many of those questions remain unresolved.
THE YELLOW SEA--------GRADE TBA
Another big OOOOOPPPPPSSS for the press screenings---shown without subtitles---so if you want to see it (the picture looks impressive during the first 10 minutes) make sure to call SIFF Info line to check that the subtitles will be included.
POR EL CAMINO--------GRADE B
I'm not sure exactly why I enjoyed this breezy, nearly plot less, would be romantic, road trip through Uruguay, but the scenery sure stays with me, and the characters don't jump right into bed, either. Very pleasant.
SPUD------------GRADE B+
John Cleese is the influential teacher at a private South African boys school in 1990 and the young hero has not yet developed into puberty (the term "spud" referring to his small undeveloped genitalia), and as it starts you will be thinking that this story is going to be very familiar, and for a while it is. But the characters are all likable and become unusually rounded for such a comedy/drama, the shenanigans are realistically subdued, and the film becomes quite moving by the end.
MARATHON BOY-------GRADE A
Another GREAT documentary, this one is set in India, and tells the story of a 3 year old boy who loves to run. He is adopted out of poverty by his coach, who runs an athletic/training orphanage with his wife, but because the boy is so young, controversy arises when he tries to run half and full marathons. Ethics, politics and social conflicts put up barriers between the coach and the child. There is a shocking development towards the end that I didn't see coming. This film, along with HOT COFFEE and HOW TO DIE IN OREGON are all sponsored by HBO, which will be handling their release, and they should show up on HBO later this year. THE LAST MOUNTAIN is also getting a theatrical release this summer. These are the 4 top films of SIFF this year.
ROMEOS---------GRADE B
This lively German film by a first time woman director is quite good, especially considering the complicated subject matter. Lukas is a trans-gendered 20 year old going FTM (female to male)who depends on his best friend, a lesbian, for moral support during this process. In college he falls for a flirty, bisexual hustler who doesn't know about Lukas' FTM situation. There is a lot of sexual tension, humor,
pathos and drama that feels quite real for the main character. The key role of Lukas is played by a first time actor called Rick Okon, and I kept thinking that this is one of the strongest break-through roles since BOYS DON'T CRY that I've seen.
HOLY ROLLERS: THE TRUE STORY OF CARD COUNTING CHRISTIANS------GRADE B-
A true documentary based on a group of Christian black-jack players based in Seattle is notable mainly for emphasizing how 1) Christians or otherwise can justify gambling, as long as money is being made, and 2)Christians and otherwise can be as deluded, sinful and selfish as any one else. It raises some interesting ideas, but at 93 minutes seems unfocused at times and could lose 15 minutes to editing.
FUNKYTOWN-----------GRADE B-
Set in the mid 1970 during the disco era, this slick, hoary,melodramatic cliche, filled with sex, drugs and music in Quebec, feels like a Guilty Pleasure from the start, especially with most scenes punctuated with some great disco classic covers. But the film does go on too long, and the fun starts to fizzle as cliche piles on to cliche in deadly seriousness.
THE DESTINY OF LESSER ANIMALS----------GRADE B
Interesting ethno-centric film from Ghana about a police officer trying to track down his stolen counterfeit passport so he can escape to America. Part mystery, part thriller, part character study, and part allegory to patriotism.
THE REDEMPTION OF GENERAL BUTT NAKED---------GRADE B-
Liberia's General Butt Naked was a terrifying brutal soldier during his country's 14 years of civil war, ruthlessly attacking, raping and murdering over 20,000 people (by his own admission) while naked. After the war he reinvents himself as a Bible-toting preacher, trying to turn his henchmen towards God and religion and seek forgiveness for his many sins. This is a powerful documentary, as it follows him running into survivors whose family he murdered, and it raises a lot of questions, like should he be prosecuted for war crimes, and should he be trying to convert people to Christianity when just a few years earlier he'd have rather killed them. Can we believe him? (The war time tribunal recommended amnesty towards him!) But part of the problem with the film is the rough handheld cinematography, and many of those questions remain unresolved.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
SIFF Report June 7
Many of the following will be screening during the last week of SIFF 2011. A grade of B- or better is worth seeing.
TO BE HEARD--------GRADE B+
Another in a long line of fine SIFF documentaries, this one focuses on three high school students in the Bronx who are gifted performers in the relatively new art of hip-hop poetry, which they hope will be their ticket out of the ghetto. The film is heartbreakingly candid as to what these kids face in their everyday world, and while a lot of hope is offered, the reality seems to be working against some of them. I was startled to hear their teachers using a lot of street vernacular and profanity in the classroom, and to see how emotionally close they become to their students, but hey--whatever works.
ABSENT-----------GRADE B
This is NOT a Hitchcockian thriller as the descriptions would have you believe. This suspense film from Argentina does create some tension (sexual and otherwise) as a teen age boy tries to insinuate himself into his male teacher's life by lying about his parents, friends and agenda, and creates emotional havoc in the well meaning teacher. Heavy handed during the first half, the film resists the temptation to make the teen (and the teacher) the "BAD GUY"---and ultimately becomes more interesting (and disturbing) by the end.
TABLOID-------GRADE B+
A new film by Errol Morris about a scandal in the early 1970's where an ex-beauty queen tracks down her missing fiance, kidnaps him out of his Morman missionary work, gets sent to prison, and then as the tabloids start digging, has her life splayed open to charges of prostitution and solicitation. One of those "truth is stranger than fiction" stories, this one is possibly the funniest and most entertaining documentary of SIFF this year.
BLACK FIELD------GRADE B-
Possibly the strangest plot twists since....THE CRYING GAME, this Greek film set in the 16th century, has a young novice nun with a big secret becoming fascinated by a wounded soldier taken in by the nunnery filled with nuns obsessed with ungodliness.
Yes, this one is loaded, but it is played out in all seriousness, and the photography and cinematography make it easy to look at. The final, bold controversial scene had jaws dropping all over the theatre, except for a few fleeing to the lobby.
KING OF DEVIL'S ISLAND--------GRADE B
Engrossing Norwegian film based on a true story set in 1915 on island prison for wayward boys run by a very stern governor (played by Stellan Skarsgard who seems to be channeling Max von Sydow at his most constipated)who fails to see abusive warning signs that may lead to mutiny. The facility is so cold that you can see the breath of the characters in the dormitories and dining room!
NORWEGIAN WOOD------------GRADE TBA!
The screening ended for all but a dozen Japanese speakers at the 10 minute mark (Looks good though) when it was discovered that there were no ENGLISH subtitles on this print. Call SIFF to verify English subtitles for screenings this weekend!!!!
LYS and ROMAN'S ARK--------GRADE D and B-
Two short films on the same program, the German film LYS is a POS (piece of ----) where the story is slow and predictable, and the camera work apparently done by an 11 years boy on Speed and lumpy roller skates--painful to watch--most of us took a little nap. ROMAN'S ARK was technically the better film, a low budget short story about trying to find life in the future after a nuclear attack. Familiar but intriguing to watch.
ALL YOUR DEAD ONES---------GRADE D
Boring absurdest drama about Colombian farmer who discovers a pile of dead bodies in his cornfield. Then, after that amazing set-up, NOTHING HAPPENS FOR THE NEXT HOUR as 6 characters stand around looking at each other while a cell phone goes off constantly on screen--sometimes answered, sometimes not. A MAJOR, disappointing BOMB.
THE LIFE OF FISH---------GRADE B
In this intriguing melancholic film from Chile, a 30 something man wanders around a house party, saying his (very very long)goodbyes to a number of friends he hasn't seen in nearly 10 years. They are all tied together by a previous tragedy. The film reeks of regret, of lost friendships, missed opportunities, and the desire to change or correct the past.
BOBBY FISCHER AGAINST THE WORLD------- GRADE B
Well made and informative documentary on the life and death of the very public, very crazy (towards the end) World Chess Champion. Did his genius drive him insane, or did his psychosis make him a genius? Verrrrry interesting!
TO BE HEARD--------GRADE B+
Another in a long line of fine SIFF documentaries, this one focuses on three high school students in the Bronx who are gifted performers in the relatively new art of hip-hop poetry, which they hope will be their ticket out of the ghetto. The film is heartbreakingly candid as to what these kids face in their everyday world, and while a lot of hope is offered, the reality seems to be working against some of them. I was startled to hear their teachers using a lot of street vernacular and profanity in the classroom, and to see how emotionally close they become to their students, but hey--whatever works.
ABSENT-----------GRADE B
This is NOT a Hitchcockian thriller as the descriptions would have you believe. This suspense film from Argentina does create some tension (sexual and otherwise) as a teen age boy tries to insinuate himself into his male teacher's life by lying about his parents, friends and agenda, and creates emotional havoc in the well meaning teacher. Heavy handed during the first half, the film resists the temptation to make the teen (and the teacher) the "BAD GUY"---and ultimately becomes more interesting (and disturbing) by the end.
TABLOID-------GRADE B+
A new film by Errol Morris about a scandal in the early 1970's where an ex-beauty queen tracks down her missing fiance, kidnaps him out of his Morman missionary work, gets sent to prison, and then as the tabloids start digging, has her life splayed open to charges of prostitution and solicitation. One of those "truth is stranger than fiction" stories, this one is possibly the funniest and most entertaining documentary of SIFF this year.
BLACK FIELD------GRADE B-
Possibly the strangest plot twists since....THE CRYING GAME, this Greek film set in the 16th century, has a young novice nun with a big secret becoming fascinated by a wounded soldier taken in by the nunnery filled with nuns obsessed with ungodliness.
Yes, this one is loaded, but it is played out in all seriousness, and the photography and cinematography make it easy to look at. The final, bold controversial scene had jaws dropping all over the theatre, except for a few fleeing to the lobby.
KING OF DEVIL'S ISLAND--------GRADE B
Engrossing Norwegian film based on a true story set in 1915 on island prison for wayward boys run by a very stern governor (played by Stellan Skarsgard who seems to be channeling Max von Sydow at his most constipated)who fails to see abusive warning signs that may lead to mutiny. The facility is so cold that you can see the breath of the characters in the dormitories and dining room!
NORWEGIAN WOOD------------GRADE TBA!
The screening ended for all but a dozen Japanese speakers at the 10 minute mark (Looks good though) when it was discovered that there were no ENGLISH subtitles on this print. Call SIFF to verify English subtitles for screenings this weekend!!!!
LYS and ROMAN'S ARK--------GRADE D and B-
Two short films on the same program, the German film LYS is a POS (piece of ----) where the story is slow and predictable, and the camera work apparently done by an 11 years boy on Speed and lumpy roller skates--painful to watch--most of us took a little nap. ROMAN'S ARK was technically the better film, a low budget short story about trying to find life in the future after a nuclear attack. Familiar but intriguing to watch.
ALL YOUR DEAD ONES---------GRADE D
Boring absurdest drama about Colombian farmer who discovers a pile of dead bodies in his cornfield. Then, after that amazing set-up, NOTHING HAPPENS FOR THE NEXT HOUR as 6 characters stand around looking at each other while a cell phone goes off constantly on screen--sometimes answered, sometimes not. A MAJOR, disappointing BOMB.
THE LIFE OF FISH---------GRADE B
In this intriguing melancholic film from Chile, a 30 something man wanders around a house party, saying his (very very long)goodbyes to a number of friends he hasn't seen in nearly 10 years. They are all tied together by a previous tragedy. The film reeks of regret, of lost friendships, missed opportunities, and the desire to change or correct the past.
BOBBY FISCHER AGAINST THE WORLD------- GRADE B
Well made and informative documentary on the life and death of the very public, very crazy (towards the end) World Chess Champion. Did his genius drive him insane, or did his psychosis make him a genius? Verrrrry interesting!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
SIFF Report June 5
Saturday was such a good day for me, that I took off Sunday for biking, shopping, dishes, laundry and sleep. Here's what I saw that day.
A FEW DAYS RESPITE----------GRADE A-
Splendid small film about two men who are lovers, trying to escape from Iran, through Italy to France, where the older one finds work with an aging lonely, sympathetic woman, who has eyes for him, not knowing he is gay. There is a lot of tension and feeling that passes between the three protagonist, and the film is subtle yet engrossing and quite moving.
12 ANGRY LEBANESE: THE DOCUMENTARY----------GRADE A
Riveting and insightful story of Lebanese prisoners who participate in a dramatic workshop to present the play TWELVE ANGRY MEN before their peers, family and outsiders. The experience works not only to trigger reflection among the actors, many of whom have been in prison for more than 20 years and never had much self worth, but also to change the hearts and minds of outsiders and government officials towards prisoners.
CLINK OF ICE----------------GRADE A-
Perhaps the most audacious and wry French comedy of the decade, the film starts off slow, with a wealthy, smart writer drinking himself to death since he has just lost his wife, child, lover and has a mental block towards writing. He is soon visited by a man who claims to be the human incarnation of his cancer, and this cancer man is going to stay with him until the end. Suddenly the film takes off in all directions, with family, servants and friends weighing in on the situation--some can see the "cancer" (since they will someday be affected, too, apparently) and others cannot. Soon his faithful housekeeper has her own cancer following her around--even to bed....A wild, kinky, off the wall film, most amusing if you can get into it. Director Bertrand Blier (GOING PLACES, BEAU PERE, GET OUT YOUR HANDKERCHIEFS, MENAGE, etc) is back on top again!
TERRI---------------------GRADE C+
The day was pretty great until this American teenage coming-of-age would be comedy/drama about a fat teen who only feels comfortable in his pajamas (even at school),who lives with and takes care of his uncle who seems to have some form of dementia, and he likes to kill mice to feed to a large bird.....John C. Riley is the assistant principal who tries to befriend him by being logical, honest, and open, to varying results. The teens who populate this movie are very weird, interested in sex, drugs and alcohol (per norm) but in vacant unappealing ways. Tired stuff.
BURKE and HARE-------------Grade B
Set two hundred years ago in England, two hapless grave robbers discover that it is easier to murder than to rob graves in order to make a living. The comedy is sometimes broad but usually good natured, and the film is generous with developing some charming and delightful characters, which make for an easy going good time.
A FEW DAYS RESPITE----------GRADE A-
Splendid small film about two men who are lovers, trying to escape from Iran, through Italy to France, where the older one finds work with an aging lonely, sympathetic woman, who has eyes for him, not knowing he is gay. There is a lot of tension and feeling that passes between the three protagonist, and the film is subtle yet engrossing and quite moving.
12 ANGRY LEBANESE: THE DOCUMENTARY----------GRADE A
Riveting and insightful story of Lebanese prisoners who participate in a dramatic workshop to present the play TWELVE ANGRY MEN before their peers, family and outsiders. The experience works not only to trigger reflection among the actors, many of whom have been in prison for more than 20 years and never had much self worth, but also to change the hearts and minds of outsiders and government officials towards prisoners.
CLINK OF ICE----------------GRADE A-
Perhaps the most audacious and wry French comedy of the decade, the film starts off slow, with a wealthy, smart writer drinking himself to death since he has just lost his wife, child, lover and has a mental block towards writing. He is soon visited by a man who claims to be the human incarnation of his cancer, and this cancer man is going to stay with him until the end. Suddenly the film takes off in all directions, with family, servants and friends weighing in on the situation--some can see the "cancer" (since they will someday be affected, too, apparently) and others cannot. Soon his faithful housekeeper has her own cancer following her around--even to bed....A wild, kinky, off the wall film, most amusing if you can get into it. Director Bertrand Blier (GOING PLACES, BEAU PERE, GET OUT YOUR HANDKERCHIEFS, MENAGE, etc) is back on top again!
TERRI---------------------GRADE C+
The day was pretty great until this American teenage coming-of-age would be comedy/drama about a fat teen who only feels comfortable in his pajamas (even at school),who lives with and takes care of his uncle who seems to have some form of dementia, and he likes to kill mice to feed to a large bird.....John C. Riley is the assistant principal who tries to befriend him by being logical, honest, and open, to varying results. The teens who populate this movie are very weird, interested in sex, drugs and alcohol (per norm) but in vacant unappealing ways. Tired stuff.
BURKE and HARE-------------Grade B
Set two hundred years ago in England, two hapless grave robbers discover that it is easier to murder than to rob graves in order to make a living. The comedy is sometimes broad but usually good natured, and the film is generous with developing some charming and delightful characters, which make for an easy going good time.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
SIFF Report thru June 3
TOAST-------------GRADE B
Sometimes awkwardly paced, but sweet little British film, based on a true story, of young boy's efforts to get his father's approval and attention. The film picks up half way through when he tries to compete for his father's love by trying to out-cook the cleaning lady (Helena Bonham Carter), and this creates a lot of resentment since his father has the hots for her.
REVENGE OF THE ELECTRIC CAR------------GRADE B-
Slick, well made follow-up to WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR from 6 years ago, but this film is missing the evil power (GM-the killer of the original electric car) that propelled the first film to greatness. At times this feels more like an ad campaign for new car company Tesla, and Nissan's Leaf.
HEADING WEST-----------GRADE B+
The story of a struggling single divorced mother trying to build a relationship with a new man who isn't so inspired is no great revelation, but the lead actress is quite good and affecting.
MAMAS & PAPAS-----------GRADE A-
Moving and emotional film of the struggles of four couples to deal with the issues of conceiving, in-vitro, adoption, and loss of childbearing. This Czech Republic director (Alice Nellis) seems to be one to watch--her film feels natural, organic, universally truthful, and is beautifully resolved.
THE NAMES OF LOVE----------GRADE C+
I had a tough time buying into the initial premise of this sometimes silly French comedy. A mindless, flippant, sensual woman tries to bed men who are from the opposite ends of her liberal political spectrum to win them over to her political side. Of course she meets Mr Right, but they are so opposite philosophically that I had a hard time accepting their attraction, which was mostly sexual. The film is NOT dull, and at times it is amusing, and the actors look good without their clothes.
THE HUNTER-----------GRADE C+
Straight forward, plodding film about a man in Iran whose wife and child are accidentally killed in the cross fire between police and protesters, although the details are murky at best. He flips, kills two policemen, and then is hunted down. Not much subtlety or suspense.
MAMMUTH----------GRADE C+
I have to give Gerard Depardieu kudos for the long hair and heft of his body--he is certainly impressively sympathetic and, as usual, watchable. But this is one weird, absurd French black comedy. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it falls with a thud. And, it is hard to watch due to a LOT of hand-held camera work and rather ugly (intentional?) cinematography.
SMALL TOWN MURDER SONGS---------GRADE B
There's style and quirky moodiness to spare in this sparse tale of a strange woman discovered murdered in a small Canadian town. And the actors are all quite interesting. Unfortunately, the ending for me was underwhelming. My final response to the film was---THAT'S IT?
Sometimes awkwardly paced, but sweet little British film, based on a true story, of young boy's efforts to get his father's approval and attention. The film picks up half way through when he tries to compete for his father's love by trying to out-cook the cleaning lady (Helena Bonham Carter), and this creates a lot of resentment since his father has the hots for her.
REVENGE OF THE ELECTRIC CAR------------GRADE B-
Slick, well made follow-up to WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR from 6 years ago, but this film is missing the evil power (GM-the killer of the original electric car) that propelled the first film to greatness. At times this feels more like an ad campaign for new car company Tesla, and Nissan's Leaf.
HEADING WEST-----------GRADE B+
The story of a struggling single divorced mother trying to build a relationship with a new man who isn't so inspired is no great revelation, but the lead actress is quite good and affecting.
MAMAS & PAPAS-----------GRADE A-
Moving and emotional film of the struggles of four couples to deal with the issues of conceiving, in-vitro, adoption, and loss of childbearing. This Czech Republic director (Alice Nellis) seems to be one to watch--her film feels natural, organic, universally truthful, and is beautifully resolved.
THE NAMES OF LOVE----------GRADE C+
I had a tough time buying into the initial premise of this sometimes silly French comedy. A mindless, flippant, sensual woman tries to bed men who are from the opposite ends of her liberal political spectrum to win them over to her political side. Of course she meets Mr Right, but they are so opposite philosophically that I had a hard time accepting their attraction, which was mostly sexual. The film is NOT dull, and at times it is amusing, and the actors look good without their clothes.
THE HUNTER-----------GRADE C+
Straight forward, plodding film about a man in Iran whose wife and child are accidentally killed in the cross fire between police and protesters, although the details are murky at best. He flips, kills two policemen, and then is hunted down. Not much subtlety or suspense.
MAMMUTH----------GRADE C+
I have to give Gerard Depardieu kudos for the long hair and heft of his body--he is certainly impressively sympathetic and, as usual, watchable. But this is one weird, absurd French black comedy. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it falls with a thud. And, it is hard to watch due to a LOT of hand-held camera work and rather ugly (intentional?) cinematography.
SMALL TOWN MURDER SONGS---------GRADE B
There's style and quirky moodiness to spare in this sparse tale of a strange woman discovered murdered in a small Canadian town. And the actors are all quite interesting. Unfortunately, the ending for me was underwhelming. My final response to the film was---THAT'S IT?
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
SIFF Report June 1st
SIFF is half over but there is still much to see. Here's what I've seen in the last two days, some of which will be repeating in the next week. Check out previous blogs for other options. B- or better is worth seeing.
SUSHI: THE GLOBAL CATCH----------GRADE B-
I don't eat sushi, and thought I hadn't much interest in this documentary--much filmed in Japan, but there were some things to learn, and the big concern is that blue fin tuna will be completely fished out in the next 10-15 years, especially when sushi takes off in China in the next couple years, like it has in the USA in the past 10 years. The film does offer some hope, but greedy corporations and consumers stand in the way.
THE OFF HOURS-------------GRADE __XXX___
After 25 minutes, I left. The film was projected (or filmed?) in what seemed like near darkness---I COULDN'T SEE ANY OF THE ACTORS FACES, even in a few daylight scenes
that came later. I would hope that the film maker didn't do this intentionally, and that the projectionist just didn't know how to project it correctly. Unfortunately, I will not take that chance to see it again. Wasn't too compelling, what little I "listened" to.
BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY------------GRADE B
This documentary on Kevin Clash who brings Elmo to life on Sesame Street, was pleasant to watch, and older children might be amused. Will probably be shown a lot on PBS starting in a few months.
MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITTE-----------GRADE B+
Charming French film with a terrific performance by the great Gerard Depardeau as a simpleton who has an abusive mother. Still he charms his girlfriend and an older woman he meets occasionally at the park, who teaches him how to understand what he reads. This was a delightful surprise.
THE NIGHT OF COUNTING THE YEARS-------GRADE B-
Recently restored by Martin Scorsese's Film Foundation, this 1969 Egyptian film tells the story of a government employee who wants to stop the raiding of royal mummies for their priceless antiquities, only to find that his family has been deeply involved in this practice for many years. The film is lovely to look at, although as projected in digital format, it seemed a bit washed out on this screening, and often I wasn't sure who was doing what to whom, since many characters appear without much introduction or explanation.
MAGIC TRIP: KEN KESEY'S SEARCH FOR A KOOL PLACE----- GRADE B
A lot more fun than watching a well edited 107 minute long home-movie has any right to be. There are a lot of laughs and insight and culture (shock) packed into the story of how Kesey with Neal Cassady and other (sometimes famous) friends take an LSD road trip from California to the New York World Fair of 1964.
FLYING FISH-----------GRADE D
Slow, drawn out scenes with little or no dialogue or story line are lovely to look at, for a while, but this film from Sri Lanka had nearly half the audience out the door by the time the violent ending scenes(including murder, suicide and castration) take place.
HOT COFFEE--------GRADE A
Another cracker jack documentary, which starts off about the woman who spilled hot coffee in her lap and then sued McDonald's, but then shows what REALLY happened to the court system and our right to a day in court after that. To those who still think George W. Bush was a great president, this should scare some sense into them.
ROUTE IRISH-------GRADE B+
When a contractor is killed by "terrorists" while working in Iraq, his best friend becomes suspicious when the facts don't add up, and suspects he may have been murdered, in this political thriller by Ken Loach. This serious and angry film has strong British/Scottish/Irish accents that have been, thankfully, subtitled.
DETECTIVE DEE and the MYSTERY of the PHANTOM FLAME------GRADE B+
Extravagant, opulent looking Hong Kong martial arts film with a smart, easy to follow plot about a disgraced and imprisoned traitor who returns from prison to solve some strange deaths and protect the new empress. A lot of energetic fun.
SUSHI: THE GLOBAL CATCH----------GRADE B-
I don't eat sushi, and thought I hadn't much interest in this documentary--much filmed in Japan, but there were some things to learn, and the big concern is that blue fin tuna will be completely fished out in the next 10-15 years, especially when sushi takes off in China in the next couple years, like it has in the USA in the past 10 years. The film does offer some hope, but greedy corporations and consumers stand in the way.
THE OFF HOURS-------------GRADE __XXX___
After 25 minutes, I left. The film was projected (or filmed?) in what seemed like near darkness---I COULDN'T SEE ANY OF THE ACTORS FACES, even in a few daylight scenes
that came later. I would hope that the film maker didn't do this intentionally, and that the projectionist just didn't know how to project it correctly. Unfortunately, I will not take that chance to see it again. Wasn't too compelling, what little I "listened" to.
BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER'S JOURNEY------------GRADE B
This documentary on Kevin Clash who brings Elmo to life on Sesame Street, was pleasant to watch, and older children might be amused. Will probably be shown a lot on PBS starting in a few months.
MY AFTERNOONS WITH MARGUERITTE-----------GRADE B+
Charming French film with a terrific performance by the great Gerard Depardeau as a simpleton who has an abusive mother. Still he charms his girlfriend and an older woman he meets occasionally at the park, who teaches him how to understand what he reads. This was a delightful surprise.
THE NIGHT OF COUNTING THE YEARS-------GRADE B-
Recently restored by Martin Scorsese's Film Foundation, this 1969 Egyptian film tells the story of a government employee who wants to stop the raiding of royal mummies for their priceless antiquities, only to find that his family has been deeply involved in this practice for many years. The film is lovely to look at, although as projected in digital format, it seemed a bit washed out on this screening, and often I wasn't sure who was doing what to whom, since many characters appear without much introduction or explanation.
MAGIC TRIP: KEN KESEY'S SEARCH FOR A KOOL PLACE----- GRADE B
A lot more fun than watching a well edited 107 minute long home-movie has any right to be. There are a lot of laughs and insight and culture (shock) packed into the story of how Kesey with Neal Cassady and other (sometimes famous) friends take an LSD road trip from California to the New York World Fair of 1964.
FLYING FISH-----------GRADE D
Slow, drawn out scenes with little or no dialogue or story line are lovely to look at, for a while, but this film from Sri Lanka had nearly half the audience out the door by the time the violent ending scenes(including murder, suicide and castration) take place.
HOT COFFEE--------GRADE A
Another cracker jack documentary, which starts off about the woman who spilled hot coffee in her lap and then sued McDonald's, but then shows what REALLY happened to the court system and our right to a day in court after that. To those who still think George W. Bush was a great president, this should scare some sense into them.
ROUTE IRISH-------GRADE B+
When a contractor is killed by "terrorists" while working in Iraq, his best friend becomes suspicious when the facts don't add up, and suspects he may have been murdered, in this political thriller by Ken Loach. This serious and angry film has strong British/Scottish/Irish accents that have been, thankfully, subtitled.
DETECTIVE DEE and the MYSTERY of the PHANTOM FLAME------GRADE B+
Extravagant, opulent looking Hong Kong martial arts film with a smart, easy to follow plot about a disgraced and imprisoned traitor who returns from prison to solve some strange deaths and protect the new empress. A lot of energetic fun.
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