Give Up Tomorrow
Anne Murphy
When a teenager from a political family in the Philippines is accused of a double murder, the country's entire judicial system is put to the test after years of alleged corruption.
This story is one of such a jaw-dropping miscarriage of justice that it instils outrage. "Give Up Tomorrow" documents 12 years of a murder case with sufficient information and detail to convince even the most hardened sceptic of a gross wrongdoing. The production quality is patchy, even grainy at times, but the story is compelling and impossible to watch without tears. Get through today and you can give up tomorrow.
- Genre » Documentary
- Festival » MIFF 2011
How to Die in Oregon
Anne Murphy
In 1994 Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide.
"How to Die in Oregon" is not an easy documentary to watch, and that is good reason to watch it. Death with dignity is a complex ethical concept to bring to the screen, and this film is an intimate exploration of life and planned death. The film maker is respectful and unobtrusive. The sensitivity is appreciated... he doesn't add his own narrative, the subjects do all the talking. No other voice is needed - their stories are incredibly moving. Choice allows us to die well.
- Genre » Documentary
- Festival » MIFF 2011
Red Dog
Wendy Slevison
Based on the true story of Red Dog, who united an outback community while in search of his master.
Watching this movie feels a bit like sitting around a camp fire listening to your mates tell a darn good yarn. It's a quintessentially Aussie experience with wonderfully personal characterisations and a truly incredible story. The first-class cinematography brings the mining area of Western Australia gloriously to life in a visual feast of red and turquoise. The human actors do a fine job of portraying the mateship that forms in the small mining towns, but of course the dog steals every scene he's in - what a talented boy! A blue ribbon for "Red Dog".
Mother
Anne Murphy
A mother desperately searches for the killer that framed her son for an horrific murder.
"Mother" is a suspenseful thriller filmed with an eye for the comedic realities of serious situations. There's plenty of intrigue within a small Korean town, and a dark mood is masterfully painted onto the screen. The story is riveting to watch and delivered with faultless performances; the emotional elements are strong and powerfully expressed. As the gripping story-line is unfurled and the truth behind the crime is revealed, you can't help but admire just how well crafted this film is. A testament to the remarkable tenacity of maternal love.
Tyrannosaur
Anne Murphy
The story of Joseph, a man plagued by violence and a rage that is driving him to self-destruction.
"Tyrannosaur" is harrowing viewing. Filmed with an uncompromising eye for realism, there’s an intensity to this movie that’s rarely captured with such bruising effect. Anger, rage and torment are central to the story and expressed without inhibition. Expect a confronting experience, one that will leave audiences wrung out, if not reeling from the relentless blows landed. The cast are credible and the performances delivered are absolutely convincing, particularly when somewhere from the depths of hopelessness something transformative is glimpsed. As riveting as it is grim.
13 Assassins
Andrew O'Dea
In feudal Japan, a group of Samurai assassins come together on a suicide mission to kill an evil lord.
This period action flick is a tale of vengeance and honour, combining 'old-school' Japanese heroics with genuinely poetic sentiment. The story and electricity builds slowly as we're introduced to the '13', before exploding into one of the greatest extended battle sequences of all time. Blood flows, limbs fly, and heads roll in what is quite simply a ballet of brutality. Yet the film still carries direction and purpose behind the gore, through the nobility of our heroes' cause. A near-flawless, classic Samurai movie. Both incredibly stylish and graphically violent, "13 Assassins" never misses its mark.
Four Lions
Andrew O'Dea
The story of a group of British jihadists who push their fantastical and abstract dreams of glory to the breaking point...
This film is a witty, riotously funny, and undeniably unique comedy. At no stage does it resort to extracting cheap laughs from its volatile subject matter as is the case with so many other movies that pose as "outrageous". Brilliantly written, the hilariously farcical tone generates a constant supply of laughter, yet there is also an underlying intelligence that presents a very real and relevant message. All those involved in the making of "Four Lions" should most definitely take pride in it.
Catfish
Anthony Macali
Filmmakers Ariel and Henry document a story involving Ariel's brother, Nev, a 24-year-old photographer, and Abby, an 8-year-old girl contacts Nev via Facebook.
Never has a film captured the simple day-to-day tidings of social networks as well as "Catfish". Through pure happenstance, the film monitors a new relationship form, brilliantly blending the interaction of modern media in a series of clever montages. As characters delve deeper the tension builds, gradually creating a sense of dread as we ponder what could only amount to be a frightening conclusion. This documentary will astound everyone online and confirm the fears of many others.
- Genre » Documentary
- Festival » MIFF 2010
The Guard
Anne Murphy
An unorthodox Irish policeman with a confrontational personality is teamed up with an uptight FBI agent to investigate an international drug-smuggling ring.
"The Guard" is a comedy threaded with some serious themes. The genre is an original police-buddy action combination delivered in a lilting Irish style which proves delightful. The central character is a foul-mouthed modern masterpiece, politically incorrect, big hearted, world weary and honourable, as well as disrespectful, again a little bit of everything in the mix. This is a very funny movie but not so much laugh out loud as wryly observed and darkly humorous. Many unguarded moments.
Persepolis
Anthony Macali
Poignant coming-of-age story of a precocious and outspoken young Iranian girl that begins during the Islamic Revolution.
It's surprising how touching this black and white animation is. With sharp contours and pale gradients, the film looks astounding, but also portrays a "dark" period of Marjane's life. Her narrative provides earnest accounts of Iran's history, family and moving out of home; growing into an acute perspective of life in these times of revolution. You leave the cinema in a wake of colours, realising the splendour of freedom.
Please Give
Anne Murphy
In New York City, a husband and wife butt heads with the granddaughters of the elderly woman who lives in apartment the couple owns.
Manhattan films about nothing should be a genre of their own. Equal parts smart drama-comedy and introspective reflection on the human condition, "Please Give" is grounded in the angst of reality and near perfect. This is a chick flick populated with grown-ups who are still growing up. The city dwellers dealing with the everyday while struggling with life's big issues like guilt and insecurity are imperfect as well as sharp and funny. Nothing to give just breathe it in.