A CENTURY IN SOUND – ★★☆ 

I love records, I love Japan, and I love the idea of the listening bars, also known as kissaten/kissa; A ‘third place’ where music fans can go to listen to records and have a drink, and perhaps food. This session was three episodes of a series that is being made by some NZ documentarians, and I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, while it was a taste of what was advertised, I wished for more information about the business of running the business. There was much exposition on the background of the people who owned each of the three places, and their history, but not as much ties into the music scene. It also felt a little repetitive in that each person’s story seemed to be pretty similar, despite the bars being classical, jazz, and rock focussed. It hasn’t stopped my interest in visiting one some day, nor potentially starting one (who knows?). I’d watch the other episodes if they’re streaming, but don’t feel like it’s a necessity to see on the big screen.

MY FAVOURITE CAKE – ★★★☆

Amusing dark comedy from Iran about an aging mother, living alone, and far from friends and family. She is lonely, and sets out to try and meet a suitable man for company. I spent a lot of the film ‘waiting for the other shoe to drop’. I liked the premise a little bit more than the execution – some of the plot points felt a little over-simplified and rushed. That said I enjoyed it overall. Worth checking out.

THE STORY OF SOULYMANE – ★★★★

Excellent French film about an immigrant refugee who is yet to be given residency status, and how he is trying to make it through difficult times to support himself financially, while facing hardships and missing his family. Beautifully made and played with an excellent balance of drama and humour.

SUPER/MAN: THE CHRISTOPHER REEVE STORY – ★★★

This is a documentary made by DC Comics and HBO, so likely to be streamable on television some time in the near future. I really liked Christopher Reeve as an actor, and knew him slightly beyond his role as Superman in the 70s/80s; I really enjoyed Somewhere in Time several years ago when I saw it. Nothing terribly bad about this documentary, but it continues the common theme that seems to happen with these celebrity docos; doesn’t feel like it digs very deeply into their lives, it seems almost cliche now to hear about how their acting is an outlet for their desire of acceptance when it didn’t occur in their formative years from their parents. By then end it started feeling close to an informercial for the Reeve Foundation, which undoubtedly does good work. But, was it worth seeing in a cinema? Not really.

DIDI – ★★★★

Really enjoyed this film, and lovely to see Twin Peaks’ Joan Chen in her role as the protagonist’s mother. Story about a teenager of Chinese descent growing up in California in the mid-2000s, and his relationships with family and friends during those difficult and awkward teenage years. Had plenty of excellent tech references to the time, including AOL instant messaging, myspace, razr flip phones, etc. One of those films where they seem to get all the important parts of a good film right; pacing, acting, sets, and story. A bit like a cross between Dazed & Confused and Fresh off the Boat. I miss AIM.

EVERY LITTLE THING – ★★★★

Beautifully shot documentary about hummingbirds, and a woman who attempts to help rescue and rehabilitate them at her L.A. home. If you liked The Parrots of Telegraph Hill several years ago, you’ll probably like this one too. Similar to that film, while liking birds probably doesn’t hurt, it’s definitely not a critical factor in enjoying the film, which interlaces the main subject’s background and draws parallels between her life experiences and the role she plays in the lives of the hummingbirds.

MOVING – NO RATING

Japanese film from 1993 about a couple who are separating, and their young daughter who is trying to manage with the change. I made it halfway through before deciding it just wasn’t for me, at least on this day. Probably more me than the film in this case though.

MEMOIR OF A SNAIL – ★★★★

The best opening night film I’ve seen at MIFF, though I’ll admit that the bar for that isn’t always high. Nevertheless I was highly anticipating this new film from Adam Elliot, who’s previously done Mary & Max, and the Oscar winning short, Harvey Krumpet. If you’ve seen Adam’s previous work, this probably won’t surprise you; it’s a stylistically made claymation film. All made by hand without any CGI. It’s an incredible achievement visually, and like the previous films has a health my dose of darkness and black humour throughout. It’s about a girl who’s had her share of traumatic life events, and her recounting it to her pet snail. It may not be to everyone’s taste, but if you enjoyed Mary & Max, chances are you’ll like this one too.