Ghosts of Cité Soleil is a raw documentary directed by Asger Leth. The camera explores the texture of destitution in Cité Soleil, an enormous slum which is home to the Chimères and rival gangs. Each area of the city is ruled by a gang chief. The Chimères are gang members reputedly in the pay of […]
Two Harsh Realities and a Tear-Jerker Read More »
Today I saw two films with my son before zipping off to Brampton for a bridal shower. I have let my primary-aged son rate these and I repeat some of his comments. My son gave The Ugly Duckling and Me five out of five. He laughed all the way through and never took his eyes
Sprockets Presents… Read More »
Saturday I went directly from my two festival films to a wedding in the St. Andrews club overlooking Toronto Harbour and, incidentally, the Roy Thompson Hall gala. I think I was having a better time which means these reviews are short. La Tourneuse de Pages was a deliberately slow-moving thriller which avoids the obvious choices.
Two Films and a Wedding until 1:00 Read More »
I just saw four films in less than twelve hours! What a smorgasbord for the eyes. Here are my impressions: The Journals of Knud Rasmussen is worth seeing but I recommend it with reservations. I loved the Camera D’Or winning Atanarjuat (the Fast Runner), also directed by Zacharias Kunuk and Norman Cohn. While that film
Four films in less than twelve hours Read More »
The Magic Flute exceeded my expectations. I laughed and cried in turns. In the opening sequence, spring meadows and Mozart’s vivacious music are set against the falling shells and falling men of World War One. Bright colours, stunning CGI and odd juxtapositions, such as soldiers carrying band instruments, induct us into a magical realm. Mozart’s
The Magic Flute — Twisted Marvel Read More »
I have just added a link to one of my favorite Spanish websites: Torontohispano.com. It’s the main source for information about the Toronto Latin scene. They have an online music station, lots of news, local event listings and links. Torontohispano also just launched a glossy magazine as of October 2006. I understand written Spanish better
Torontohispano.com Read More »
I’m looking forward to seeing The Magic Flute, directed by Kenneth Branagh. He has restaged the opera using an English libretto by the well-known actor and writer Stephen Fry. I’ve been a fan of Fry’s comic acting since I first saw him in the BBC’s Blackadder series. I also enjoyed the satirical humour in his
The Magic Flute — Kenneth Branagh’s Adaptation Read More »
College park filled with flowers and a long, civilized, line of people picking up their tickets. My tickets have been processed! This morning I stood in line for about 40 minutes to get them and it was quite pleasant. I find people in the festival line are usually friendly and easy to talk to. In
Toronto International Film Festival — Ticket Heaven! Read More »
Starting September 7, watch this space for short, personal reviews on over 20 films. The TIFF is a friendly, organized festival with a low-key vibe. I expect to have a great time and see some great films. Ticket selections are processed by advanced lottery so all I can do now is wait — and make
Toronto International Film Festival Read More »
Idiotmatic Expressions: SabBartical: Wasting a year off watching reruns of the Simpsons. FoeRun film: A tiresome movie with too many chase scenes. Abracadavre: When the magician pulls the rabbit out of the hat, too late. I hope my blog has something to say this year; that it is never tiresome; that it is magical………. Wish
If you had a year off from work, what would you do? Read More »