TIFF'08 Day 4 - Sunday September 7, 2008

5 for 5 for Day 4 as all the films rocked, what a treat to have a day where each and every one of the films was fantastic. 4 out of 5 also had Q&A's so it was a really full day!


The packed house for It Might Get Loud at the AMC Sunday morning - were you there?

It Might Get Loud
Dir: David Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth)
Documentary on the electric guitar featuring Jimmy Page, The Edge and Jack White
USA

Reason to See: The idea of seeing these three music legend getting together to talk was an opportunity I couldn't miss

Very enjoyable film, and I'm sure the more you are into music and these three particular artist the more you would enjoy it. Myself, I'm a Jimmy Page fan, so that was the treat as he was absolutely lovely and you can just tell how much he loves music. It was fascinating to see these three artists come together as they have very different backgrounds, styles and focus of what they believe is important in terms of the music. The crowd was stoked to say the least. It is one of the few screenings where I wish I had thought about it more and gone to the world premiere where all three artists were in attendance.


Derrière moi director Rafaël Ouellet and cast member Charlotte Legault

Derrière moi
Dir: Rafaël Ouellet (Le Cèdre penché)
Canada

Reason to See: I loved Rafaël Ouellet Le Cèdre penché that was a selection at TIFF 2007, so this was a must-see

Beautiful film, yet darker than I was expected but the audience was forewarned of that during the introduction - something I'm not really a fan of but in this case I think it is appropriate. The film is set in a small, tourist like town where a beautiful young woman from the city comes for a visit and befriends a local. The style and pace of the film is astounding making every shot a picture of beauty. This is supported by exceptional acting by the two lead actresses. A must-see.


The Real Shaolin director Alexander Sebastien Lee


The Real Shaolin cast member Orion

The Real Shaolin
Dir: Alexander Sebastien Lee
USA/China

Reason to See: Getting to see people go through martial arts training in China was so intriguing this went of my must see list as soon as I heard about it

Fantastic documentary that shares the stories of for people go through different schools in China to train as martial artist. The sheer number of people doing this is overwhelming, some schools have over thousands of students. The quality of life definitely varies as does the backgrounds and journeys of the four stories. My expectations for this film were pretty high and they were not only met but exceeded those expectations. Bold and honest, this film delivers.


White Night Wedding director Baltasar Kormákur


White Night Wedding cast member Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, director Baltasar Kormákur

White Night Wedding / Brúðguminn
Dir: Baltasar Kormákur (Jar City / Mýrin, 101 Reykjavík)
Iceland

Reason to See: Jar City was a huge hit at TIFF 2007 and I missed out, also I've never seen a film from Iceland

It is a wonder that films that can be so dark can flip on a dime to be beautiful and comedic. This is the true strength of White Night Wedding which played to a packed house that were clear fans of this style and of the director. I was happy to be a part of that audience as the film was a true gem. The characters were filled with life and it was a true joy to be with them for the duration of the film.

Want to know? See director Baltasar Kormákur discuss the casting as well as the films release in Iceland.


Vacation director Hajime Kadoi (left)

Vacation / Kyuka
Dir: Hajime Kadoi
Japan

Reason to See: Although the subject matter for this film is heavy, there was something about the juxtapostion of two very different lives that pulled me in

Compelling film that brings together two unlikely paths together and also shines a light on the process and heartbreak of the death penalty in Japan. Although this film is a drama the director noted that it was advised by someone who know the system very well. A true story of the human spirit.

The Toronto International Film Festival 2008 runs from September 4-13/08 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.