[Reellife] Can't get EUFF of this Film Festival!

[dave olsen]

The 17th Annual European Union Film Festival <http://eufilmfestival.com/> opens 
tonight at the Cinematheque <http://thecinematheque.ca> in Downtown Vancouver.

It's one of my favourites to be sure.  And this year has another stellar lineup.

The only downside to this fest is that each film plays only once and the fest 
ends on December 4th.  So you gotta be on your celluloid toes!

I'll be posting more reviews on Reellife <http://reellife.wordpress.com/> as 
often as I can to let you know what's coming up and what's not to miss!

For now, here are 3 reviews of films that will open the Fest...enjoy Europe 
without the jetlag!

Clownwise <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/czech-republic-clownwise>
This Czech film continues to enhance this country's reputation as stellar 
feature film makers.

A full-length feature at 2 hours, it combines clownery with real human issues, 
including children (but it's not a child's film) and a storyline that will 
definitely keep you guessing.

The production quality is outstanding as well, overlaying shots that enhance as 
well as startle.

Hollywood would have taken this story down a much more predictable path; each 
time I thought we were going there, I was surprised, and very pleasantly.

The ending left me laughing out loud, too.  Get ready to catch this film while 
you can as it only plays once!
Clownwise <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/czech-republic-clownwise> 
plays Saturday, November 22nd at 8:35pm


The Road Uphill 
<http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/luxembourg-the-road-uphill>
I have to admit that this film captivated me; I couldn't wait to get back to it 
to see how it ended.

It's focused on the Schleck brothers from Luxembourg, who were favoured to win 
the 2011 Tour de France.

I've never been a big fan of the Tour, mostly because I haven't lived near 
enough, but the film really shows why it is such a huge event.  That it has not 
changed to accommodate TV compensates somewhat for the outrageous drug scandals 
of the recent past.  Lance Armstrong brought awareness of the TDF to North 
America before he completely undermined its credibility.

There's not a mention of drugs in this film and I was amazed to hear Andy 
Schleck speak of how the TDF would be wonderful to win but life is so much more, 
especially when he thinks of his brother Frank's child.  Rather than a bunch of 
boys trying to have a good time, this film is about dedication and determination 
in a respectful, straight forward manner.  And after the film was completed, 
Andy was declared the winner of the 2010 TDF after Alberto Contador was found 
guilty of using a banned substance.

Unfortunately it also shows just how ridiculously car-dependent even a bike race 
has become (watch for the lead car taking out a cyclist!), but the ending wasn't 
what I expected.  The warmth and love that 2 brothers share on screen is 
marvellous to behold, especially given the context.

What I didn't expect was to be so taken in by the event and drama. If you are a 
TDF fan, you'll love this; if you don't know a thing about it, you'll be 
surprised and roundly informed.

That a French commentator nails the truth of this and every event so clearly 
("we love the TDF because we can escape from our miserable [civilized] lives") 
is simply the icing on this delicious cake.

The Road Uphill 
<http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/luxembourg-the-road-uphill> plays 
Monday, November 24 @ 8:20pm


Christmas Tango <http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/greece-christmas-tango>
This Greek film really wasn't very enjoyable for me.  The military theme was 
omnipresent and frankly, oppressive.

There were lots of subtle humourous scenes, especially when a Lieutenant 
commands his underling to teach him to tango, but the acting was mediocre and 
the film generally gloomy.  The Colonel's wife and daughter bring splashes of 
life to this film, which was based on a novel about that Lieutenant's obsession 
with the Colonel's wife, but they are too infrequent for my taste.

Of course, there aren't many chances to hear Greek in Vancouver... ????? 
????????? /pah-rah-kah-LOH/

Christmas Tango 
<http://thecinematheque.ca/eufilmfestival/greece-christmas-tango> plays 
Thursday, November 27 @ 6:30pm
-- 

Warmly,
dave/
//
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Movie and Theatre lovers who know a saner world is possible may enjoying reading 
and sharing their thoughts on Reel Life, Real Ideas: Movies and more... 
<http://reellife.wordpress.com/>

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