Funny thing about timing – that the first two movies I’ve chosen to see at the Vancouver International Film Festival would have the words “Breathe” and “Meditation” – two things that I’m trying to better accomplish. But enough about me.
How to make choices?
The first thing I look for when going through the movie listings are the film titles, then to find out who the actors are. It doesn’t go to prove that actors who are well known will make a better movie, but if I’m familiar with and like the actor’s previous work, I’m more likely to want to see another film they’re in. But since this is an International Film Festival, you must keep in mind that you will NOT likely be familiar with the talented actors and worthwhile great story telling from a host of other countries.
Then of course the overall synopsis. But I don’t like to know too too much about the movie because it ruins the element of surprise (which can work out good or bad, depending.) I try to keep it diversified mixing drama, comedy, documentary and thriller. Well done animation is good too The great overall thing about going to a film fest is that you get to see films firsthand. And that in itself is exciting enough. So having said that, here are two simplified reviews to begin:
BREATHE
Oh; and the film clip photos in the booklet attract me. The romantic, dreamy looking picture has two actors whom I admire: Claire Foy (she played Queen Elizabeth II in the Netflix series “The Crown” which I became addicted to) and Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge, The Amazing Spiderman). Suffice to day that was enough of a decision for me to say YES. Bonus: Hugh Bonneville (Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey – watched ALL episodes as it was one of my favourite series).
Breathe is an inspiringly beautiful but tragic story. In a debut directorial role, Andy Serkis directs the true story of the parents of his best friend and producing partner, Jonathan Cavendish.
It’s about how a couple, Robin and Diana Cavendish refuse to give up their fight when Robin is struck down by polio at only 26 years old, and just before he is about to become a father. It’s about how people face challenges and overcome hardship in the face of adversity and with a debilitating disease. It is heartwarmingly sad and uplifting at the same time.
MEDITATION PARK
This film was chosen for the Opening Gala. Directed by Mina Shum, it’s filmed entirely on Vancouver’s East Side & Chinatown. While I’m familiar with incredible actors Sandra Oh and Don McKellar, the real star of this film is Cheng Pei Pei (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) who plays Maria. A traditional first generation immigrant Chinese wife, Maria turns a blind eye to her husband’s (played by Tzi Ma) infidelity at first, but when she decides to break from convention, take charge of her life and become more independent, all hell breaks loose. It is charmingly funny in part and because I live in Vancouver, partly familiar.
The only common denominator between the two films is that they are family dramas.
VIFF is on until October 13, 2017. For information and to purchase tickets please visit:
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 