TIFF has come to a close and it’s time for me to share my thoughts on my Top 5 films at this year’s festival. They come from the following programmes: Midnight Madness (MM), Real to Reel (RTR), City to City (CTC) and Contemporary World Cinema (CWC). In order from Top 1 to 5, here is my list and a few lines as to why they’re my faves.
The Raid (MM)
This was the opening film MM this year. A third of the way into this film I knew it would be a hit with MM fans and that it would have us talking about it incessantly. Why? Well, once the film picks up speed, the pacing just keeps you at the edge of your seat. The fight choreography by Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian push all boundaries. The good guys and bad are both better than good. And just when you think they can’t do no more damage…BAM! There they go again!
Director Gareth Evans created a sript that keeps you engaged in the story enough to care but mainly, it’s a medium to showcase the Indonesian martial art silat in all its glory. During TIFF, the film was picked up by Sony Pictures Acquisitions, so here’s hoping for a North American release sometime in the near future. I can go on and on about The Raid but I will not do it justice. For more of my thoughts on the film, read my review here.
Undefeated (RTR)
This documentary was recommended by RTR programmer Thom Powers as one of 5 to catch at this year’s festival. I rushed only two films at TIFF this year and Undefeated was one of them and I’m glad to have seen it. Directors Dan Lindsay and TJ Martin tell the story of the Manassas High School football team in Memphis and their coach (Bill Courtney) in a way that’s not only personal but also visually engaging. We get to know the team in their practice sessions, we get to know their main coach and the other coaches as well, and of course, some of the main players in the team. The way the Lindsay & Martin chose to film this story and the way the editor put it together kept all of us as an audience invested in it. During parts when the team is playing a very important game, I notice audience members sitting at the edge of their seat rooting for them. I also noticed others crying when a team member had to face a major disappointment. And I also noticed people cheering for the team member who was waiting to find out which college had picked him in the draft.
Undefeated is a story not uncommon to us; young men living in impoverished conditions who need to find an outlet and let themselves shine. In Memphis, for many, football is that outlet. The Lindsay & Martin have succeeded in highlighting what’s important in this story. As someone called it, “it’s like a love letter from the coach to the team.” And I definitely agree. It also won the Audience Choice Award in the documentary category.
Sleepless Night (MM)
My second pick from the MM programme. I can only say that I like action films that are smartly executed and director Frederic Jardin does this in Sleepless Night. This is a story of Vincent (Tomer Sisley), a lieutenant, caught up in the world of drugs and corruption while trying to save his son, who is been held captive by a nasty druglord, Jose Marciano (Serge Riaboukine). Basic enough premise but what stood out for me was the fact that throughout the film we’re never sure what side this cop is on…is he good or is he corrupt? Tomer Sisley handles the role pretty well. He knows how to have presence on camera; the supporting cast also works well. Jardin & Sisley talked a lot about the filming process during the Q&A at the MM screening. The film was actually filmed in France, Belgium Capital & Luxembourg, since it was a co-production. One of the major fights in the film between Vincent and a very corrupt internal affairs cop took place in a kitchen. That fight was choreographed prior to seeing the actual set. After some minor changes and a run through, they filmed it. It’s a rough fight…a good one to watch on screen. There were a lot of “ooohs, aaaahs and ouches” from the audience.
Tension is kept high all throughout Sleepless Night. Right through till the end, we are not really sure if Vincent will succeed in saving his son and the ending is also nicely done… not the typical Hollywood ending here. One of my favourite action films this year for sure. And I just learned that Warner Brothers has acquired full rights for an America remake which will be produced by Roy Lee (The Departed)… We’ll have to wait for now and see how that turns out.
Las Acacias (CTC)
Two words: Baby Anahí. I think everyone in the audience fell in love with this little girl with her big brown eyes and super sweet smile. A first feature by director Pablo Giorgelli, Las Acacias already came to TIFF with the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Most of the film takes place on the road on a highway from Asunción, Paraguay, to Buenos Aires. Trucker Rubén (Germán de Silva) has agreed to take Jacinta (Hebe Duarte) into Buenos Aires; however, what he didn’t know is that Jacinta has a daughter, Anahí (Nayra Calle Mamani).
The film is not a typical “road movie.” Without much dialogue we see a connection form between Rubén and Jacinta. We realize that Rubén is not used to company on the road; he is rather cold towards Jacinta and her baby at first. In the course of the journey, Anahí’s coos and smiles slowly melt away Rubén’s coldness. Jacinta, in her humble and soft nature, also begin to work their charm on him. Slowly, we come to know their personal stories.
During the Q&A, Giorgelli talked about casting for the film. The film works so well because of its cast. The audience’s favourite for sure was Anahí; everyone wanted to know how he found her. After several casting calls, Giorgelli met Nayra , the baby who’d become Anahí in the film. He said, “I just held her…saw those big eyes and I knew.” He mentioned how most of the filming had to revolve around Nayra, just so they could get those perfect coos and smiles. Overall, Giorgelli explained, the filming process did not take very long, especially with such a good team.
With great camera angles, I found myself immersed in the story, as I’m sure did the rest of the audience. Most of us forgot that there is no score attached to the film at all. We just simply enjoyed watching Rubén, Jacinta and Anahí get to know each other and appreciate each other’s company. This film will be a delight for anyone who does not mind a slow pace, subtle gestures supported by quiet yet strong performances. I hope it gets a release here; I’d definitely see it again.
Superclásico (CWC)
This was the other film I rushed this year, at the recommendation of my fellow film aficionado Donna G. This film is the third in a trilogy about relationships by director Ole Christian Madsen. The film is mainly set in Buenos Aires; a city with a lot of character. We follow Christian (Anders W. Berthelsen) and his son, Oscar (Jamie Morton), on a quest to get his wife back Anna (Paprika Steen), who is now dating Argentinian soccer player Juan Díaz (Sebastián Estevanez). This film has it all: laughter, tears, bitter fights between lovers and first loves.
Madsen and fellow scriptwriter Anders Frithiof August told the audience at TIFF that they travelled to Buenos Aires for research once they knew the film would be set there. When asked if there they had helped from any female friends in writing the script, they both answered “no.” The film captures the highs and lows of a broken marriage and also what each party goes through in the process. I must say I had a great time watching the film from beginning to end.
Turns out four out of these five films were on my original list for TIFF11… so I did alright with my picks. If you saw any of these films at TIFF, it would be great to hear your thoughts and comments.
