| SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL |
| 2005 |
| FILM REVIEW |
| hey kids! i have been a volunteer at the festival for the past four years. i had a great time this year and was able to see 29 feature length films and 14 shorts at sundance, many were documentaries. i am only going to review ones worth mentioning and give a list of all. if there are any films you would like more information about or start a discussion on just let me know through email or check the sundance website |
| DOCS |
| MURDERBALL- one of my favorites this year. a fast paced look at athletes in the paralympic sport, quad rugby. i loved the content, the people, music and camera work. MARDI GRAS: Made in China- could have used more editing, but i enjoyed the fresh idea; following mardi gras beads from factory in china to the streets of new orleans. SHAKESPEARE BEHIND BARS- this was a very touching look at prison productions of shakespeare plays, including interviews with the prisoners/cast throughout the process. WHY WE FIGHT- an award winner this year, looking at war politics and the system at large GRIZZLY MAN- another award winner and a festival favorite. this is a look into the life a strange man doing strange things, living among the grizzlies in alaska, can you guess the ending? SHAPE OF THE MOON- world doc grand prize winner, gives us a glimpse into a christian family living in the very muslim jakarta outskirts. the slight humor of the grandmother's personality is what won me over. RING OF FIRE: The Emile Griffith Story- the story itself should be told, would be great for cable release. i really enjoyed how it would flash between each interviewee and show the discrepancies in the story. AFTER INNOCENCE- a must see documentary. shines a light on our criminal injustice system that sadly has lived in the dark for too long. americans would be shocked to learn of the innocent people involved. |
| NOT DOCS |
| 3-IRON- Korean film director of Spring, summer, Autumn, Winter....and Spring, Kim Ki-duk returns with this truly magical film. it is amazing what can be done with little dialogue. both of his films are of my favorites. RIZE- although i disagree at the choice of stock film in this piece, the sheer beauty in movement of the dance 'krumping' is worth a look. SAVING FACE- yay! an honest yet surprisng lesbian film. actually fun and touching. OLD BOY- holy!! this had me at the edge of my seat peeking through my fingures at times. maybe not for the squeemish, but i'd say give this emotional thriller a shot. LACKAWANNA BLUES- already being shown on hbo, this movie is fun, hot, and smart. you'll love every character. and you'll get to see mos def is a white suit singing jump-blues. cute as hell! TROPIC OF CANCER- filmed like a doc this looks at the people living in the desert of central mexico. you can almost taste the dust as we follow the families checking traps and selling their wares on the roadside. |
| SHORTS |
| these are the best of the shorts program i saw, if you get a chance, try to find them |
| BULLETS IN THE HOOD: A Bed-Stuy Story PLANET OF THE ARABS ARE YOU THE FAVORITE PERSON OF ANYBODY TAMA TU THE YOUTH IN US and a sure crowd pleaser...... WEST BANK STORY |
| THE LIST: Dear Wendy, MirrorMask, The Education of Shelby Knox, Frozen Angels, Brick, Loggerheads, El Immortal, Wall, Yang Ban Xi: The 8 Model Works, Kekexili: Mountain Patrol, High School Record, Matando Cabos, and Three...Extremes |
| MY 'UGH' LIST- Wolf Creek, This Revolution |
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