THE FOREST FOR THE TREES ★★☆ 

I wasn’t aware till after I’d seen this that it was the first film by the director of previously reviewed film Toni Erdmann. This was a watchable film (though the copy shown was pretty terrible, it looked like a low resolution digital video with a lot of blockyness, and transferred from a scratchy quality film). It’s about a young somewhat shy and meek teacher trying to make a new start in a new town following a breakup with her boyfriend. Most of the film I felt sympathy for her as she anxiously tried to make friends and succeed as a teacher in a classroom where she was unable to command order or respect. By the end, I was less so, wishing for the story to take a turn that demonstrated her making some positive change. If you need to see a Maren Ade film at this MIFF, I’d still pick this over Toni Erdmann.

WEINER ★★★☆

A telling tale of what’s wrong with American politics. (Or America? Or politics in general?). This follows Anthony Weiner’s attempt to run for mayor of New York City in 2013 following his sexting scandal that cost him his job as member of the House of Representatives. The access provided was pretty amazing, and the film was very entertaining.

THITHI (unrated)
A film about a 101 year old man dying and how his family plans for the ‘thithi’ ceremony. Fell asleep about 15 mins and left about an hour in. Nothing particularly negative or positive to offer on this one.