ABOUT DRY GRASSES – ★★★☆

A three hour and twenty minute epic Turkish film. I am extraordinarily pleased and surprised that I made it. It was enjoyable on many levels, incredibly filmed and acted. It’s a story centred around a teacher at a small school in a village. It covers a lot of ground, between accusations by a student of improprieties (arms around shoulder, waist), and the friendship of his colleague/housemate and another female teacher from a larger school. Some very deep and rapid conversations covering philosophies of life, that would leave me helpless if I tried to participate. It was a journey, and one that overall, I enjoyed.

PERFECT DAYS – ★★★★☆

A new best of the festival (so far) today. This film by Wim Wenders is set in Tokyo, and about a solitary man who leads a modest life with a regular routine. He cleans toilets during the day, taking great effort and pride in his work, eats at the same haunts, reads, and listens to cassette tapes from 60s and 70s artists like Lou Reed and Patti Smith. He also finds beauty in nature, often pausing to enjoy the view of leaves on trees swaying in the wind, and photographing them. He is content with his life. As the story and pattern of his life progress, we see minor events that give some ideas of his past, and how he handles the lifestyle he leads. I read another review suggesting this is Wim Wenders’ version of Jim Jarmusch’s ‘Paterson’ (from MIFF 2016). I don’t entirely disagree – the feel is somewhat similar, and I loved Paterson, so it’s not surprising I liked this too – even more. Do not miss the opportunity to see this.