Saturday 25 June 2016

Monthly Film Chronicle – June-July 2016




Chronique Mensuelles de Film – Juin-Juillet 2016

A monthly chronicle of films (features, medium or shorts) seen throughout the current month from any source. Commentaries will be limited to 99 words or less. Film festivals will be hyperlinked. If time permits certain films will be elaborated on and be posted under the label “Film Box Office” (100-399 words) or “Film Review” (400 or more) (number of words based on English only).
Une chronique mensuelle de films (long-, moyen- ou court-métrages) vu tout au long du mois en cours de n'importe quelle source. Les commentaires sera limitée à 99 mots ou moins. Les festivals du film seront notés avec un lien hypertexte. Si le temps le permet certains films seront élaborer et afficher sous l'étiquette « Film Box Office » (100-399 mots) ou « Film Review » (400 ou plus) (le nombre de mots est basé sur l’Anglais seulement).

(Last update / Dernière mis-a-jour: July 15 Juillet 2016
Films are listed the order seen scrolling down. Films seront énumérés en ordre vue défilant vers le bas.)
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The 15th New York Asian Film Festival
Presented by / Présenter par Film Society of Lincoln Center and Subway Cinema
From June 22 to July 09 / Du 22 Juin au 09 Juillet 2016

Screenings will be held June 22 to July 5 at the Film Society of Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater (165 West 65th Street, between Amsterdam and Broadway), and July 6 to 09 at the SVA Theatre (333 West 23rd Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues). 51 feature-length films showcasing the best of Asian cinema will be screened.
Les projections auront lieu le 22 Juin au 5 Juillet à la Film Society du Lincoln Centre Walter Reade Theater (165 rue 65 Ouest, entre Amsterdam et Broadway), et 6 au 09 Juillet au Théâtre SVA (333 rue 23e Ouest, entre avenues 8 et 9). 51 longs métrages mettrant en valeur le meilleur du cinéma Asiatique seront projetés.
For more info go to / Pour plus d'info, allez a:
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Hitler's Folly, United States / États-Unis 2016, 67m, Bill Plympton
Plympton's fourth live-action film is a hilarious satirical re-imagining of Hitler's 'true' motive for world domination. Using images of Hitler's early artwork, World War II footage and his signature animation style, Plympton re-imagines the Nazi dictator as a frustrated animator who dreamt of building the world's greatest amusement park and animating Wagner's Die Nibelungen. The former would be called Nazi-land and would rival Disney World. The latter would be the most extravagant animated feature-length animation ever produced. It would be four hours long and star a cartoon duck. The story unfolds from the perspective of a government conspiracy revealed. 
Le quatrième film live-action de Plympton est un réimagination satirique hilarant du «vrai» motif de Hitler pour la domination du monde. En utilisant des images d'Hitler de ses œuvres d'art au début, des images de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale et son style d'animation signature, Plympton réimagine le dictateur Nazi comme un animateur frustré qui rêvait de construire le plus grand parc d'attractions du monde et de animer Die Nibelungen de Wagner. Le premier serait appelé Nazi-land et pourrait rivaliser avec Disney World. Le deuxième serait le long métrage d'animation le plus extravagant jamais produit. Il serait d'une duréé de quatre heures et mettera en vedette un canard en dessin animé. L'histoire se déroule du perspective d'une conspiration gouvernementale révélée.
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20th Fantasia Film Festival International  
July 14 till August 02 / 14 Juillet jusqu’au 02 Août 2016
For more information check out the Festival’s web site:
Pour plus d'informations, consultez le site web du Festival:
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Friday 24 June 2016

My Love Affair with Merrickville

Pretty, Peaceful, Irresistible






by Nancy Snipper
 


1840: a beautiful B&B steeped in warmth and village history 

My infatuation with charming Merrickville began at the 1840 Guest House B&B. Its historical foundation – not to mention its allure – is as impressive as the splendid view it offers: Ontario’s Rideau River Canal Waterway. 202 kilometres long with 47 locks, this 19th-century aquatic wonder is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.



The place to stay – a prime location with hosts in the know

Breezy and impeccably styled, the 1840 Guest House B&B is owned and operated by Mike and Dawn Zaversenuke – genuinely friendly folk who – just like the villagers – are eager to make your Merrickville stay more than just a jaunt or a peek into the extraordinary craft shops in the village. This couple is both knowledgeable and passionate about the village’s history. Mike’s dedication to everything Merrickville is as mesmerizing to the visitor as is the astounding artisan acumen exploding at every corner.



Stone buildings meet the eye and fuel your imagination

Mike took me on a personal tour of landmarks, where he vividly turned Merrickville’s history into a timeless place of wonder with facts full of intriguing human stories. Merrickville is a time warp of sorts. Just look at those crazy old houses – those cedar log facades, stone exteriors, and wooden ornate carvings that seem to be falling off the front. 



They're calling for you to remember and love the Loyalists of yore – the “Merrickville men” – hard-working, sternly stoic settlers who built and settled with their families into these very often freezing houses – many of which are known to be haunted. Then again, I’ve always liked a good ghost story! 



Once an Ontario strategically important site, Merrickville was abuzz with some 58 industries of all kinds. It became a hub between Bytown (Ottawa) and Kingston and the construction of the canal (1826-1832) surely contributed to this. 



By 1860, Merrickville had reached the apex of its industrial development, but about 30 years later, it all came to a halt. Just a stone’s throw from 1840, the setting wistfully evokes its past. He took me to the site where the remnants of a towering stone wall boldly stand. This ruin once housed Merrickville’s mighty wool mill. Is it any wonder that as far back as 1800, the village used to be called Merrick Mills! 





1840 B&B’s claims its own unique piece of history!


Mike and Dawn have their own Merrickville tale to share about their darling 1840 B&B. Know that you’ll be standing on ground that once echoed the voices of children attending a one-room schoolhouse dating back to 1829. So why is it called 1840? Mike will tell you about three walls and what treasured inscription he discovered on one while tearing down the interior walls of the structure. In 2012, the couple bought the old Royal Canadian Legion, part of which had been a one-room school house. But its foundation was so badly deteriorated, it needed a serious overhaul. The school house was gutted, but the original ceiling beams are still there; its back wall is still attached to the B&B. It took nine months of rebuilding to create this “home away from home”. 


Resurrected as bright, sun-filled accommodations, this perfectly located B&B attracts place visitors as far away as Australia and beyond, as well as Montreal and Ottawa folks looking to relax on weekends. Many come to research their own family heritage in the village’s library archives. They are often able to find the home once occupied by their very own great grandparents.



A nook of paradise with tasteful appeal

Proud of its 9.7-star rating from Booking.com, 1840 Guest House B&B’s walls are laden with lovely quilts and visual prints pertaining to village history and the Rideau locks with old maps and documents resonating bygone days. 




1840 B&B’s interior gallery of vintage furniture also amplifies the century-old village flavour. 







A sublime view is offered from a lovely balcony along and two of the four bedrooms
These front rooms boast huge windows that look out onto a, scenic nature-lush canal vista. The scene is relaxing.

Each warm bedroom has a queen bed and ensuite bathroom. Underfoot is a spanking new oak floor; above hang stunning miniature chandeliers. TV, fireplace and WIFI are all there too. 





Take a look at the colourful, meticulously crafted hand-stitched wall quilts, and the extraordinary simplicity of scenic stained glass window art hanging on the wall – all made by Dawn herself!





A mecca of exciting shops with gorgeous goods

It’s true: you can spend hours in the village, browsing and buying to your heart’s content. Tourists and locals never tire of the whimsical, the wildly wonderful, the fantastically appealing and the unique high-end array of one-of-a-kind boutique shops. Each has its distinct “personality”; you won’t find its duplicate anywhere else in the world; and they’re just a step away from 1840 Guest House B&B. Your first stop right beside the B&B should be the Whistle Post – a place that would gain approval from all hoarders. Thousands of nostalgia pieces, antique rarities and vintage everything to catch your eye. These rare old objects go for unbelievably low prices, thanks to collector and owner, Bill Kenny who opened up the store in the early 1980s. Amazing as it is, Bill can tell you the provenance of every item he sells – whether it’s a tiny thimble or a heavy piece of furniture, like the old beautiful ice storage chest he has there.

You may want to head to Cherry Picked. Run by Lesley and Mitch Roquette, all of the items are made in Canada – the quirkiest mixes with  beautiful, quality products. 



No one dare miss this Merrickville winner: Mrs. Mcgarrigle’s. It’s run by the champion of mustard-making herself – Janet Campbell. 

 

She exudes an energy that matches the awesome bastion of beautiful food garnishing goods – most notably the amazing assortment of award-winning mustards – five of which garnered top- honour ranking in a world-wide competition: Canadian maple, hot whiskey, red wine and cranberry port and chipote lime. 

Janet even grinds her own seeds which she gets from Saskatchewan.This palette pleasing store sells over a hundred different goodies, including olive oils, chocolates and an enormous potpourri of everything connected to food. Janet also teaches cooking in the store’s huge back kitchen, runs an annual trip to Umbria for aficionados of Italian cuisine, and invites chefs specializing in ethnic dishes to give cooking classes right at Mrs. McGarrigle’s.



Two iconic places that Merrickville is famous for: are Gray Art Glass and Alloy Foundry. Beautiful glass-blown objects both functional and decorative are on display and for sale here. Made by Michael Gray who apprentied under his father Kevin Robert. Gray started at the age of 14, learning glass blowing techniques from his dad at the gallery. 



Michael runs and owns the gallery, and gives classes in glassblowing there, as well. His witch balls with strands of glass inside the colourful orbs are stunning. Oh, and by the way, his fiancée, Liz Wardhaugh, happens to be a super nice real estate agent, so you know who to call when you’re ready to make Merrickville your home.

Alloy Foundry, owned by Carl and Linda Fage since 1990, is practically an “iron-clad” institution here. This fascinating landmark – the oldest in Canada – has been forging functional objects for Merrickville and beyond since 1840.



The Canadian government is one of their clients. An in-house electric inductor is used in making wonderful address signs, plaques, stoves, farm implements and custom-designed commissions.







Do check out Sole Obsession for original style shoes, including pairs made from jeans, and some exotic Indonesian wood sculptures that Bali-loving owners Carl and Lisa Card bring back from their travels. 
 

The Merrickville haunting theme is absorbed in a fun store, called Wick Witch. Owned by Lianne Kulp-Aultman, this mystic unique store specializes in soy-based candles of several scents, soaps and creams (love her Bad Witch and Big Witch creams – though both are smelly delicious). Lianne can create customize scented candles right in your own teacups and mugs. Just bring them in. She also sells sage rubs. Her sage acts like a small torch of smoke when lit; the smoke eradicates all negative energy in the room. She also has a mosquito repellent that works much the same way. 

The colourful Christmas store that's open year-round adds even more sparkle to the village. Maybe, Merrickville ought to change its name to Merryville!




Restaurants that fill you up and feed your heart 

1840 B&B’s Continental buffet serving table has yogurt, cereal, fresh fruits, orange juice, coffee and muffins; it’s a help-yourself style and at any time. If you yearn for a warm breakfast, head to Main Street Family Restaurant and Patio. It’s across from the B&B. This restaurant has heaping servings for all meals, and their service is so friendly and warm. Their new smoked dishes are super. I had a smoked salmon wrap: very tasty sauce in that one. Order a dish that uses their home-made cheese bread.


Next door is Mythos – a Greek restaurant with an outdoor terrace that opened last December, and they’re packing in people because of the quality of their great dishes; tongues wag about their popular pasta and pizzas. Toppings on pizzas are piled so high, the Leaning Tower of Pisa comes to mind. Mythos is mythic as far as Greek specialties goes, Mythos’s chicken souvlaki in a fried pita, is so fresh and flavourful. The spanokapita is sensational – no grease. The chef and owner is Nondas – uncle to Manos who cooks up the Mythos menu in the kitchen with fiancée Nicoleta. Manos – once the owner of Cina Restaurant in Athens undoubtedly pumps up Mythos‘s palette-pleasing success.
 

The Yellow Canoe Café is known for its veggie fresh soup – I loved their potato soup; and their cold mango, coconut and pineapple soup is unbeatable. This busy popular place is a food favourite, and one of the few places in the region to serve a vegan soup on a daily basis. Everything here is healthy and very tasty.


There are more meal-time places to choose from – from the exotic to the mainstream. Meander along St. Lawrence Street and turn some corners for more cuisine finds. 
 

Finally, you can’t come to Merrickville without enjoying the rapturous home-made ice cream and Gelato at Downtown Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe. Over 100 different kinds – all concocted by Shelly Innes, the owner. Many of the fruit-flavoured ones contain fresh fruit, because Shelley has a garden full of fruit; the strawberry and rhubarb flavour has rhubarb right from her own garden. She even makes her own peanut butter, fudge and toffee. I had a deliciously yummy combo of peanut butter/chocolate and the terrific tasting toffee scoop called, “Hokey Pockey”. 
 

I could go on and on about more Merrickville magic, but what is falling in love without allowing for some surprises! I don’t’ think my romance with this village is ever going to end. After all, I still have walking trails, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, cruises on the canal, miles and miles of more cycling (using 1840 Guest House B&B’s bicycle), and another unexpected miracle to experience just a heartbeat away.




The website is www.1840guesthouse.com
Phone: 1840 Guesthouse B&B, contact: 1 (613) 269-3025



Wandering in a woodland garden wonder 
 

The Rideau Woodland Ramble comprises an amazing woodland series of connecting gardens and trails. In 2015, it garnered the illustrious Canadian Garden Tourism Award – Canadian Garden Centre of the Year. There really is no other garden oasis like this one – so organic – so sweet, so dreamy, and its gardens keep expanding with new creations every year.

Located on 7 lush acres of woodland, this verdant magical place also sells rare hostas (ranging from the world’s biggest and smallest) grasses, conifers, magnolias and a range of shrubs, trees and perennials.

As you weave amidst the circular contours you’ll spy all kinds of ornaments, totem poles and figurative fairies – many made of stone, crystal, clay and other interesting materials. They peek out from the water lily pond, trees, shrubs and branches. Rare and majestic, the six different garden areas are reliant on the particular soil and positioning – two major determinants for the type of growth that will flourish.


Started more than 35 years ago, by geniuses David Dunn and Rob Caron, the gardens reveal rapturous yet subtle natural splendor. They are located at 7210 Burritt’s Rapids Road 23 – only a ten-minute drive from Merrickville. 



There's no charge to enjoy the remarkable setting. 
It's another place that will capture your heart. 
Go ahead; fall in love all over again! 
   
Email: info@rideauwoodlandramble.com

photo credits: Nancy  Snipper and Mike Zaversenuke

Monday 6 June 2016

The 15th New York Asian Film Festival



Presented by / Présenter par Film Society of Lincoln Center and Subway Cinema
From June 22 to July 09 / Du 22 Juin au 09 Juillet 2016

 New York Asian Film Festival 2016 Teaser trailer / Bande announce 2016

Screenings will be held June 22 to July 5 at the Film Society of Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater (165 West 65th Street, between Amsterdam and Broadway), and July 06 to 09 at the SVA Theatre (333 West 23rd Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues). 51 feature-length films showcasing the best of Asian cinema will be screened. 
Les projections auront lieu le 22 Juin au 5 Juillet à la Film Society du Lincoln Centre Walter Reade Theater (165 rue 65 Ouest, entre Amsterdam et Broadway), et du 06 au 09 Juillet au Théâtre SVA (333 rue 23e Ouest, entre avenues 8 et 9). 51 longs métrages mettrant en valeur le meilleur du cinéma Asiatique seront projetés.

For more info go to / Pour plus d'info, allez a:




Chronicle of Films seen / Chronique de Films vus:

Below find a run-down of all the films seen at this year’s festival. If time permits, a more elaborate critique (features only) will appear under the label “Film Box-Office.” They will be identified with the NYAFF 2016 logo. Updates will appear on a frequent basis (hopefully once a day) so please visit frequently.
Un aperçu de tous les films vus au festival de cette année. Si le temps le permet, une critique plus élabore (long-métrages seulement) apparaîtra sous l’étiquette «Film Box-office.» Ils seront identifiés avec le logo du NYAFF 2016. Les mises à jour apparaîtra fréquent (j’espère une fois par jour), donc veuillez visiter fréquemment.

(Last updated / Dernière mis-a-jour: November20 Novembre 2016
Films are listed in ascending order – the most recently seen on the top
Films sont énumérés par ordre croissant – le plus récemment vu sur le haut de la page)

After / Âpres:

All About Lily Chou-Chou, Japan / Japon 2001, 2001, Shunji Iwai

A powerful and complex exploration of youth who desire acceptance yet often feel alienated and seek solace either through wanton cruelty (bullying) or idolizing current pop stars.
The story line, told discontinuously, follows two boys, Shūsuke Hoshino and Yūichi Hasumi, from the start of junior middle school when they first meet, and into second grade. Friends at first, the relationship turns vicious after a vacation in Okinawa.
A parallel element: messages posted on a chat room dedicated to pop star, Lily Chou-Chou. Some of the posts are from the two main characters – viewers must guess who is who.
Une exploration puissante et complexe des jeunes qui désirent l'acceptation mais se sentent souvent aliénés et cherchent un réconfort soit par cruauté gratuite (intimidation) ou idolâtrer les pop stars courant.
La ligne de l'histoire, dit d'une façon discontinuelle, suit deux garçons, Shūsuke Hoshino et Yuichi Hasumi, depuis le début de l'école secondaire du premier cycle quand ils se rencontrent, just qu'au deuxième année. Amis dans un premier temps, la relation devient vicieuse après un séjour à Okinawa.
Un élément parallèle: des messages affichés sur un salon de clavardage dédié à la pop star, Lily Chou-Chou. Certains des messages sont des deux personnages principaux
les téléspectateurs doivent deviner qui est qui.





10 Years, Hong Kong 2015, 104m, Kwok Zune / Chow Kwun-wai / Jevons Au / Ng Ka-leung / Wang Fei-pang

Five dystopian short stories plus an epilogue, offering a vision of Hong Kong and speculations of its relationship with mainland China in the year 2025. It portrays its citizens as gradually losing their rights and freedoms as China exerts ever increasing influence over the territory. Due to its sensitive political themes mainland China censored reports mentioning the film, which was produced on a shoestring budget.
The stories are:
1 Extras: government officials stage a false terrorist attack in order to justify harsher security laws.
2 Season of the End: Wong and Lau attempt to preserve objects from homes destroyed by bulldozers. The last specimen Lau wants to create is his own body.
3 Dialect: A Cantonese-speaking cab driver is marginalized when he fails to pass the national Mandarin proficiency test.
4 Self-immolator: A mockumentary style examination of Hong Kong's future regarding self-autonomy in 2047. Self-immolation in the act of setting oneself on fire as an act of protest.
5 Local Egg: A tale of semantics - “local” versus “Hong Kong” eggs. Grocery store owner, Sam, violates the censorship laws by labelling his eggs as “local.”
6 Epilogue: A quote from the Old Testament book of the prophet Amos (5:13b-14a): “It is an evil time. Seek good, and not evil, that you may live.”
Cinq courtes histoires dystopique plus un épilogue, offrant une vision d'Hong Kong et de spéculations de sa relation avec la Chine continentale dans l'année 2025. Il décrit ses citoyens perdent progressivement leurs droits et libertés que la Chine exerce une influence croissante sur le territoire. En raison de ses thèmes politiques sensibles la Chine continentale a censuré les rapports citant le film, qui a été produit sur un budget restreint.Les histoires sont:
1 Extras: des fonctionnaires gouvernementaux met en scène une attaque terroriste fausse pour justifier des lois de sécurité plus sévères.
2
Season of the End: Wong et Lau tentent de conserver les objets de maisons détruites par les bulldozers. Le dernier spécimen Lau veut créer est son propre corps.
3
Dialect: Un chauffeur de taxi parlant le Cantonais est marginalisé quand il ne parvient pas à passer le test national de compétence en Mandarin.
4
Auto-immolateur: Un examen de style faux documentaire sur l'avenir d'Hong Kong au sujet d'auto-autonomie en 2047. L'auto-immolation est l'acte de se mettre le feu comme un acte de protestation.
5
Œuf Local: Un conte des sémantiques - « local » par rapport à des œufs « Hong Kong ». Sam, un propriétaire d'un magasin d'épicerie, viole les lois sur la censure en qualifiant ses œufs comme «local».
6
Épilogue: Une citation du livre du prophète Amos (5: 13b-14a) de l'Ancien Testament: «Il est un temps mauvais. Cherchez le bien et non le mal, que vous pouvez vivre. »

Hamog / Haze, Philipines 2015, 100m, Ralston Jover
Rashid, Jinky, Tisoy and Moy, four young street kids, scam motorists out of money and goods; often doing so in broad daylight. Ruthless, but with a moral code, which includes a strong sense of loyalty to each other. The first of the 'scams' is when our quartet steal an envelope full of money from a cab driver.
*It is at this point where the narrative splits in two.*
Jinky gets separated from the others. Moy searches for her; dies tragically. Despite encountering indifference, Rashid is determined to give him a proper funeral.
In the second part, Jinky is kidnapped and forced to work as a maid in a twisted household.

Rashid, Jinky, Tisoy et Moy, quatre jeunes enfants de la rue, escroques les automobilistes de leur argent et leurs biens; le faisant souvent en plein jour. Impitoyable, mais avec un code moral, qui comprend un fort sentiment de loyauté de un envers l'autre. La première des «escroqueries» est quand notre quatuor vole une enveloppe pleine d'argent d'un chauffeur de taxi.* Il est à ce point où le récit se divise en deux. *
Jinky est séparé des autres. Moy la recherches pour; meurt tragiquement. Malgré de rencontrer l'indifférence, Rashid est déterminé à lui donner un enterrement approprié.
Dans la deuxième partie, Jinky est kidnappé et forcé de travailler comme femme de chambre dans un foyer torsadée.

Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet, South Korea / Corée du Sud 2016, 110m, Lee Joon-ik
Dong-ju (1917-1945) was a Korean poet who was, reluctantly, drawn into his country's resistence against Japan's occupation (1910-1945) by his fiery cousin, Song Mong-gyu. His poetry was regarded by the Japanese authorities as an act of dissent. The film, shot in stunning black and white, contained many examples of his poetry. These examples emphatically show that this was not Dong-ju's intention. The film follows his life from the moment he decided to become a poet. He was arrested in 1943 and sentenced to Fukuoka prison. He died two years later in the same prison after being tortured and starved.

Dong-ju (1917-1945) était un poète Coréen qui était, à contrecœur, attirer dans la résistance de son pays contre l'occupation Japonaise (1910-1945) par son cousin ardente, Song Mong-gyu. Sa poésie a été considéré par les autorités Japonaises comme un acte de dissidence. Le film, tourné en noir et blanc superbe, contenait de nombreux exemples de sa poésie. Ces exemples montrent catégoriquement que ce n'était pas l'intention de Dong-ju. Le film suit sa vie à partir du moment où il a décidé de devenir poète. Il a été arrêté en 1943 et condamné à la prison Fukuoka. Il est mort deux ans plus tard dans la même prison après avoir été torturé et affamé.

Honour Thy Father, Philipines 2015, 115m, Erik Matti
Kaye successfully convinces many of her friends and fellow parishionners of the Church of Yeshua to invest their savings in her father's investment scheme. Things go well at the beginning but quickly deteriorate when no one receives their dividends. Kaye's husband, Edgar, goes to her father's house to find out why. He finds the place ransacked and his father-in-law dead. Their friends and fellow parishionners want their money back, and will do anything to do so, even threatening to harm Angel, Edgar's and Kaye's daughter. When the church refuses to help, Edgar turns to his criminal family for it.

Kaye convainc avec succès plusieurs de ses amis et ses collègues paroissiens de l'Eglise de Yeshua à investir leur épargne dans le plan d'investissement de son père. Les choses vont bien au début, mais rapidement se détériorer quand personne ne reçoit leurs dividendes. Edgar, le mari de Kaye, va à la maison de son beau-père pour savoir pourquoi. Il trouve l'endroit saccagé et son beau-père mort. Leurs amis et collègues paroissiens veulent récupérer leur argent, et fera tout pour le faire, allant jusqu'à menacer faire du mal à Angel, la fille d'Edgar et Kaye. Quand l'église refuse de les aider, Edgar se tourne vers sa famille criminelle pour ceci.

Jagat / Brutal, Malaysia 2015, 86m, Shanjhey Kumar Perumal
This promising debut film is a coming-of-age story set in Malaysia, 1990s. Malaysia's Tamil community, forsaken by estate owners, were forced to move into the city. The film effectively captures the harsh realities facing them.
Appoy, a bright and creative twelve-year-old boy, would rather watch gangster movies, idolize Michael Jackson and make prank phone calls than learn his multiplication tables. Maniam, his hard-working father, desparately tries to keep him on the straight-and-narrow. But as his father becomes more abusive in his methods, Appoy, who is also bullied at school, is drawn closer to the criminal lives of his uncles.

Ce premier film prometteur est une histoire de passage à l'âge qui se déroule dans les années1990, en Malaisie. La communauté Tamoule de la Malaisie, abandonnée par les propriétaires immobilières, ont été contraints de se déplacer dans la ville. Le film capte efficacement les dures réalités auxquelles ils sont confrontés.
Appoy, un garçon de douze ans, brillante et créative, préférer de regarder des films de gangsters, idolâtrer Michael Jackson et faire des appels téléphoniques frasque que d'apprendre ses tables de multiplication. Maniam, son père laborieux, tente désespérément de le garder sur le droit et étroit. Mais comme son père devient plus violent dans ses méthodes, Appoy, qui est également victimes d'intimidation à l'école, est tiré plus près de la vie criminelle de ses oncles.

What A Wonderful Family, Japan / Japon 2016, 108m, Yoji Yamada
Tomiko and Shuzo have been married for fifty years and are the pillars in their three-generation home (or so it seems). Shuzo loves to spend his days golfing and his evenings drinking at the pub. As usual, he comes home drunk and uncaringly throws his socks on the floor. And, as she has always done, she dutifully picks them up. But tonight she does something in addition – she hands him divorce papers. Sending seismic shockwaves throughout the entire family, an intervention is staged. Relationship hangups and intergenerational (mis)communications are revealed. Brilliantly hilarious yet firmly rooted in human drama.

Tomiko et Shuzo sont mariés depuis cinquante ans et sont les piliers dans leur foyer de trois générations (ou ce qu'il paraît). Shuzo aime passer ses journées à jouer au golf et ses soirées à boire au pub. Comme d'habitude, il rentre à la maison ivre et inconsciemment jette ses chaussettes sur le sol. Et, comme elle l'a toujours fait, elle les ramasse consciencieusement. Mais ce soir, elle fait quelque chose en plus elle lui tend les papiers du divorce. Envoi d'ondes de choc sismiques dans l'ensemble de la famille, une intervention est mise en scène. Les ruptures relationnelles et les (mauvaises) communications intergénérationnelles sont révélées. Brillamment hilarant mais solidement ancrée dans le drame humain.

The Bodyguard, China / Chine 2016, 92m, Yue Song
Wu-Lin, leader of the Iron Kick clan, leaves his peaceful village to go to the big city in search of his friend and former fellow apprentice Jiang Li. After locating Jiang Li, who is currently running a bodyguard service, Wu-Lin is hired on the spot. That same day, a rich businessman, whom Wu-Lin had rescued earlier, walks in. He chooses Wu-lin to be his daughter's bodyguard. She doesn't appreciate the idea and gives Wu-Lin a hard time. She is kidnapped by a criminal group led by Jiang Li. Can Wu-lin overcome his loyalty to Jiang Li and rescue her?

Wu-Lin, leader du clan Iron Kick, quitte son village paisible pour aller à la grande ville à la recherche de Jiang Li, son ami et ancien collègue apprenti. Après avoir localisé Jiang Li, qui présentement, dirige un service de garde du corps, Wu-Lin est embauché sur place. Ce même jour, un homme d'affaires riche, que Wu-Lin avait sauvé plus tôt, entre. Il choisit Wu-lin d'être le garde du corps de sa fille, Faye. Elle n'apprécie pas l'idée et rend la vie difficile pour Wu-Lin. Elle est kidnappé par un groupe criminel dirigé par Jiang Li. Wu-lin peut-il surmonter sa loyauté envers Jiang Li et de la sauver?

Too Young to Die, Japan / Japon 2016, 125m, Kankuru Kudo
Beneath the extravagant heavy metal madness and the hilariously absurdist reimaginings of Buddhist imagery, is a heartfelt and simple story of love and the choices we make in life.
Daisuke has had a crush on Hiromi since grade school, but, until today, has never had a chance to tell her. Sitting beside her on the school bus … she leans over … is it to kiss him? We will never know as the bus veers off the cliff … Daisuke wakes up in Hell. Determination to re-unite with Hiromi motivates Daisuke to embark upon a series of wacky reincarnations. 
Sous l'extravagante folie de heavy metal et les reimaginations hilarante absurdist de l'imagerie Bouddhiste, est une histoire sincère et simple de l'amour et les choix que nous faisons dans la vie.

Daisuke a eu le béguin pour Hiromi depuis l'école primaire, mais, jusqu'à aujourd'hui, n'a jamais eu la chance de lui dire. Assis à côté d'elle sur l'autobus scolaire ... elle se penche ... est-il pour l'embrasser? Nous ne saurons jamais car le bus vire au large de la falaise ... Daisuke se réveille en enfer. La détermination de ré-unir avec Hiromi motive Daisuke de se lancer dans une série de réincarnations farfelus.

Kiyamachi Daruma, Japan / Japon 2015, 116m, Hideo Sakaki
Katsuura was the boss of the Kiyamachi yakuza clan until an incident cost him both his arms and his legs. Now he crawls on the floor, using his disability (with the help of his partner Sakamoto) to scare, shame or bully those who renege on paying their debts. Katsuura's methods are so effective that he has been dubbed 'Kiyamachi's daruma' – their most effective debt collector. But the weight of life is bearing down on him, and light is being shed upon the incident that cost him his dignity. A highly controversial and original twist on the yakuza formula.
Katsuura était le patron du clan yakuza Kiyamachi jusqu'à ce qu'un incident l'a coûte à la fois ses bras et ses jambes. Maintenant, il rampe sur le sol, en utilisant son handicap (avec l'aide de son partenaire Sakamoto) pour effrayer, embarrasser ou intimider ceux qui ne parviennent pas à honorer le paiement de leurs dettes. Les méthodes de Katsuura sont si efficaces qu'il a été surnommé «le daruma de Kiyamachi» leur collecteur de la dette le plus efficace. Mais le poids de la vie est en appui sur lui, et la lumière est répandu sur l'incident qui lui a coûté sa dignité. Une variante très controversée et originale sur la formule de yakuza.

A Violent Prosecutor, South Korea / Corée du Sud 2016, 126m, Lee Il-hyung
A peaceful demonstration protesting the redevelopement of a bird sanctuary into a resort, degenerates into a violent brawl with the police when it is infiltrate d by gangsters. Lee, one of the perpetrators, is arrested after brutally injuring a policeman. A key figure in the innvestigation to find the gang leaders responsible, Lee is interrogated by prosecutor Byun Jae-wook, who has no reservation about using his fists. The next morning, Lee is found dead. Byun is accused, convicted and sentenced to 15 years. But he didn't do it and he is determined to find the bad guys who did.
Une manifestation pacifique pour protester contre la redevelopement d'un sanctuaire d'oiseaux dans une resort, dégénère en une violente bagarre avec la police quand il est d infiltrer par des gangsters. Lee, l'un des auteurs, est arrêté après avoir blessé brutalement un policier. Une figure clé dans le innvestigation pour trouver les chefs de gang responsable, Lee est interrogé par le procureur Byun Jae-wook, qui n'a pas de réservation sur l'utilisation de ses poings. Le lendemain matin, Lee est retrouvé mort. Byun est accusé, reconnu coupable et condamné à 15 ans. Mais il ne l'a pas fait et il est déterminé à trouver les méchants qui l'ont fait.

Seoul Station, South Korea / Corée du Sud 2016, 92m, Yeon Sang-ho
Every night the homeless flock to Seoul's Central Subway Station to find a warm place to sleep. Tonight, however, things will be different in the streets of Seoul. A man staggers to his usual spot – his friend notices that he is bleeding profusely from bite marks on his neck. The friend tries to get help but this only results in hateful remarks. He returns to his friend, who subsequently attacks him. The chaos and mayhem has begun and many will have to fight for their survival. An amazingly well-done animated feature-length film with a powerful social message.
Chaque soir, les sans-abri agglutinent à la gare centrale de métro de Séoul afin de trouver un endroit chaud pour dormir. Ce soir, cependant, les choses seront différentes dans les rues de Séoul. Un homme titube à sa place habituelle son ami constatent qu'il saigne abondamment de marques de morsure sur son cou. L'ami tente d'obtenir de l'aide, mais cela ne se traduit par des propos haineux. Il revient à son ami, qui l'attaque par la suite. Le chaos et la pagaille a commencé et beaucoup devront se battre pour leur survie. Un long-métrage d'animation étonnamment bien fait avec un message social puissent.

Fourth Place, South Korea / Corée du Sud 2015, 119m, Jung Ji-woo
A touching human drama illustrates the cycle of violence pervading the world of amateur sports and the silent complicity of passive bystanders. Exquisitely shot underwater scenes.
In 1998, Gwang-su was an Asian Games record breaker and a strong contender for the Olympics. Due to irresponsible behaviour, he lost out.
Eleven-year-old Jun-ho loves to swim, does so with fervent passion and undeniable talent. He dreams of one day competing in the Olympics, but doesn't want to win at all costs. His mother, being more ambitious, hires Gwang-su to coach him. Jun-ho improves but at what cost? His family is worried.
Un drame humain touchante illustre le cycle de la violence qui imprègne le monde du sport amateur et la complicité silencieuse des spectateurs passifs. Des scènes sous-marines exquisément tourné.
En 1998, Gwang-su était un briseur de records des Jeux Asiatiques et un candidat sérieux pour les Jeux Olympiques. En raison de comportement irresponsable, il a perdu ca chance.

Jun-ho, âgee de onze ans, aime nager, le fait avec une passion fervente et un talent indéniable. Il rêve d'un jour de participer aux Jeux Olympiques, mais ne veut pas gagner à tout prix. Sa mère, étant plus ambitieux, engage Gwang-su pour l'entraîner. Jun-ho améliore mais à quel prix? Sa famille est inquiète.

The Throne, South Korea / Corée du Sud 2015, 125m, Lee Joon-ik
This well-crafted historical drama portrays the rivalry between King Yeongjo (21st, ruled from 1724-1776) and his son, Sado (born Prince Jangheon 1735; executed July 12, 1762). Sado's execution is considered one of the most notorious and tragic episodes of Korean history. King Yeongjo ruled according to strict adhesion to Confucian doctrine. Some believe that this is what caused Sado to suffer from bouts of madness. It was during one of these bouts, that Sado approaches the palace, along with his entourage, intending to assassinate the King. Sado is condemned to die of hunger and thirst in a wooden box.
Ce drame historique bien conçu dépeint la rivalité entre le Roi Yeongjo (21e, a regné de 1724 à 1776) et son fils, Sado (né Prince Jangheon 1735, exécuté 12 Juillet, 1762). L'exécution de Sado est considéré comme l'un des épisodes les plus célèbres et les plus tragiques de l'histoire Coréenne. Le Roi Yeongjo gouvernait selon l'adhésion stricte à la doctrine Confucéenne. Certains pensent que cela est ce qui a causé Sado à souffrir de crises de folie. Ce fut pendant un de ces crises, que Sado approche du palais, avec son entourage, avec l'intention d'assassiner le Roi. Sado est condamné à mourir de faim et de soif dans une boîte en bois
 
Creepy, Japan / Japon 2016, 130m, Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Takakura retires from detective work to teach criminal psychology after being seriously injured by a serial killer. He and his wife, Yasuko, move into a small quiet house. A former colleague is compiling a cold-case file. Intrigued by a particular case involving a missing family whose daughter survived, he can't resist investigating it. Meanwhile, as she explores her new neighbourhood, Yasuko encounters Nishino, who lives next door with his 'daughter and ailing wife.' His behaviour becomes increasingly troubling as he insinuates himself into her life. These two story-threads are on a collision course to a aura of bloodcurdling creepiness.
Takakura prend sa retraite de travail de détective pour enseigner la psychologie criminelle après avoir été grièvement blessé par un tueur en série. Lui et sa femme, Yasuko, s'installe dans une petite maison tranquille. Un ancien collègue compile un dossier de crimes non résolus. Intrigué par un cas particulier impliquant une famille disparue dont la fille a survécu, il ne peut pas résister à l'enquêter. Pendant ce temps, alors qu'elle explore son nouveau quartier, Yasuko rencontre Nishino, qui habite à côté avec «sa fille et sa femme malade». Son comportement devient de plus en plus troublant comme il s'incruste dans sa vie. Ces deux fils d'histoires sont sur une trajectoire de collision à une aura de creepiness a glacer le sang.
 
Heart Attack, Thailand / Thailande 2015, 130m, Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit
Yoon, a graphic designer, does photo retouches for prestigious Thai fashion magazines. To meet even the most impossible deadlines, he neglects sleep, eating and a social life. Unfortunately his body is unable to match his 'limitless' professional drive. After going five nights without sleep, Yoon breaks out in a rash. Against his deeply ingrained instincts, he decides to go to a dermatology clinic. After an exasperating long wait, he is examined by the beautiful Doctor Imm. Seeing right through his facade, she puts him on a strict regimen, and schedules followups. A well-balanced study of the importance of moderation.
Yoon, un graphiste, fait des retouches photo pour de prestigieux magazines de mode Thaïlandais. Pour répondre à même les échéances les plus impossibles, il néglige le sommeil, l'alimentation et une vie sociale. Malheureusement, son corps est incapable de correspondre à son dynamisme professionnel «sans limites». Après avoir cinq nuits sans sommeil, Yoon éclate dans une éruption cutanée. Contre ses instincts profondément ancrés, il décide d'aller à une clinique de dermatologie. Après une longue attente exaspérante, il est examiné par la belle Docteur Imm. Voyant à travers sa façade, elle le met sur un régime strict, et schedules des suivis. Une étude bien équilibrée de l'importance de la modération.
 
The Bacchus Lady, South Korea / Corée du Sud 2016, 110m, E J-yong
A touching and compassionate human drama with the right amount of humor that explores the issue of one's right to die with dignity. The director also exposes with courage and without compromise, many of his country's ugliest truths.
So-young offers her services to older men as they hang-out in Seoul's parks. One day, on a visit to the clinic, a Kopino boy (Korean/Filipino) is waiting outside while his mother confronts his father. So-young decides to take care of him until his mother resolves the paternity suit. Complications arise when her regular clients make an unusual request – assisted suicides.
Un drame humain touchante et compatissant avec la bonne quantité de l'humour qui explore la question de le droit de mourir avec dignité. Le réalisateur expose aussi avec courage et sans compromis, beaucoup de vérités les plus laids de son pays.

So-young offre ses services à des hommes plus âgés qui passe leur temps dans les parcs de Séoul. Un jour, lors d'une visite à la clinique, un garçon Kopino (Coréen / Filipino) attend à l'extérieur tandis que sa mère affronte son père. So-young décide de prendre soin de lui jusqu'à ce que sa mère résout le procès en paternité. Des complications surviennent lorsque ses clients réguliers font une demande inhabituelle d'assistés a leur suicides.

A Bride for Rip van Winkle, Japan / Japon 2016, 179m, Shunji Iwai
Iwai's re-imagining of the classic tale of Rip van Winkle is an exploration of alienation amongst today's youth, and their desperate search for love through the internet and social medias.
Nanami is a young part-time teacher. In her struggles to make sense of her existence, she turns to the internet. She meets Tetsuo, also a teacher. They quickly get engaged. To keep up appearances, she uses the services of Amuro, whose agency hires actors to stand-in as relatives. As the web of lies thickens, Nanami's life unravels. She enters a complex world of strange odd jobs and deceptive appearances. 
 
Ce ré-imagination du conte classique de Rip van Winkle d' Iwai, est une exploration de l'aliénation parmi les jeunes d'aujourd'hui, et leur recherche désespérée de l'amour à travers l'Internet et les médias sociaux.
Nanami est un jeune enseignant à temps partiel. Dans sa lutte pour donner un sens à son existence, elle se tourne vers l'Internet. Elle rencontre Tetsuo, également enseignant. Ils sont rapidement fiancés. Afin de maintenir les apparences, elle utilise les services d'Amuro, dont son agence recrute des acteurs de se tenir en tant que parents. Comme le tissu de mensonges épaissit, la vie de Nanami dénoue. Elle entre dans un monde complexe de petits boulots étranges et des apparences trompeuses.




During / Au cours du:

Before / Avant:

The Priests, South Korea / Corée du Sud 2015, 108m, Jang Jae-hyun
Senior priest, Father Kim, has been unsuccessful in excorcising an ancient demon from Young-sin, a teenage girl whom he has known since her birth. In accordance with the rules regarding excorcisms, Father Kim needs a deacon to assist him. Ten have fled. Seminary student Choi is the eleventh. The Dean instructs Choi to secretly videotape Father Kim, who is suspected of inappropriate behaviour towards Young-sin. As it turns out, the threat is far more sinister and threatening than expected. Will Father Kim and Choi have the strength and faith to excorcise the ancient and powerful demon from Young-sin?
Le prêtre élevé, Père Kim, n'a pas réussi à excorciser un ancien démon de Young-sin, une adolescente qu'il connaît depuis sa naissance. Conformément aux règles concernant excorcisms, le Père Kim a besoin d'un diacre pour l'aider. Dix ont fui. L'étudiant séminaire Choi est le onzième. Le doyen instruit Choi d'enregistrer secrètement le Père Kim, qui est soupçonné d'un comportement inapproprié envers Young-sin. Comme il se trouve, la menace est bien plus sinistre et menaçant que prévu. Est-ce que le Père Kim et Choi ont la force et la foi pour excorciser le démon ancien et puissant de Young-sin?

The Boys Who Cried Wolf, South Korea / Corée du Sud 2015, 79m, Kim Jin-hwang
Wan-ju's dream of becoming an actor has just been shattered. When he fails to get the lead role for a upcoming stage play, he quits and gets a job with a role-playing escort agency. His 'roles' include pretending to be a single woman's boyfriend and being a 'wingman' for unpopular men. When a murder occurs in an alleyway near his home, he is initially unconcerned. But when he is approached by a woman claiming to be the victim's mother, to falsely testify, he accepts. She is offering him a lot of money for the 'rôle' of a lifetime.
Le rêve de Wan-ju de devenir acteur vient d'être brisé. Quand il ne parvient pas à obtenir le rôle principal pour une pièce de théâtre à venir, il quitte et obtient un emploi auprès d'une agence d'escorte jeux de rôles. Ses «rôles» comprennent prétendant d'être le petit ami d'une femme seule et d'être une «wingman» pour des hommes impopulaires. Quand un meurtre se produit dans une ruelle près de chez lui, il est d'abord indifférent. Mais quand il est approché par une femme qui prétend d'être la mère du victime, de faussement témoigner, il accepte. Elle lui propose beaucoup d'argent pour le «rôle» de sa vie.

Miss Hokusai, Japan / Japon 2015, 90m, Keiichi Hara
Katsushika Hokusai (born around 1760, died 1849 in Edo – now called Tokyo) was one of Japan’s most renowned artists. His pen name was Tetsuzo. This beautifully and resplendently illustrated anime is set in 1814. It is a biopic of his free-spirited and outspoken daughter Ō-Ei (1800-1866). She was also an artist like her father but much of her work has been credited to him. The film explores Ō-Ei’s complex relationships with her father and with her blind younger sister Ō-Nao. Tetsuzo had an aversion to visiting Ō-Nao. The film consisted of an engaging mix of comedic and fantasy elements.
Katsushika Hokusai (né en Edo – maintenant appelé Tokyo – environ en 1760, mort en 1849) fut l'un des artistes les plus renommés du Japon. Son nom de plume était Tetsuzo. Cet anime illustrée admirablement et resplendissante ce déroule en 1814. Il est un biopic de Ō-Ei (1800-1866), sa fille à l'esprit libre et franc. Elle était aussi un artiste comme son père, mais une grande partie de ses œuvres a été crédité à lui. Le film explore les relations complexes d’Ō-Ei avec son père et avec Ō-Nao, sa jeune sœur aveugle. Tetsuzo avait une aversion pour visiter Ō-Nao. Le film contient un mélange riche d'éléments comiques et fantastiques.

Love in the Buff, Hong Kong 2012, 111m, Pang Ho-Cheung
Sequel to 'Love in the Puff (2010)' continues to follow Jimmy and Cherie. Jimmy still has a Peter Pan complex; often not showing up on dates with Cherie; saying that something came up at work. His company transfers him to Beijing. Cherie does not follow him. A short while later the cosmetic company she works for is closing the store in Hong Kong and she is transferred to Beijing as well. It is inevitable that her and Jimmy would bump into each other. Have they really gotten over each other despite the fact that both have found someone new?
La suite de «Love in the Puff (2010)» continue de suivre relation entre Jimmy et Cherie. Jimmy a toujours un complexe Peter Pan; souvent ne pas apparaître sur des rendez-vous avec Cherie ; en disant que quelque chose s’est produit au bureau. Son entreprise lui transfère à Beijing. Cherie ne le suit pas. Un peut plus tard la société de cosmétique, pour qui elle travaille, ferme le magasin à Hong Kong et elle est ainsi transférée à Beijing. Il est inévitable que elle et Jimmy se rencontre par hasard. Ont-ils vraiment surmonté un sur l'autre malgré le fait que les deux ont trouvé quel qu'un de nouveau?