minette's blog

John Sayles continues to have an illustrious career that has spanned over three decades.  Notable films he's written and/or directed include: PIRANHA, THE HOWLING, BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET, MATEWAN, THE CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR, EIGHT MEN OUT, PASSION FISH, THE SECRET OF ROAN INISH, HONEYDRIPPER (HIFF 2007), THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, and this year, HIFF is proud to present his newest film AMIGO. 

Set in U.S. occupied Philippines, AMIGO is about a war that is in many ways similar to the one we are fighting now. Rafael (Joel Torre) faces the unwelcome challenge of how to keep his people together under occupation. Ultimately he decides that cooperation with the Americans is the best way to protect the village welfare, but his compliance is considered betrayal by his brother who is a leader of the rebel fighters. Refusing to judge any of its characters, the film explores how in war all sides make compromises and no one’s innocence remains intact.

SUMMER WARS and ONE PIECE FILM: STRONG WORLD

There are two amazing anime films screening at the 2010 HIFF Spring Showcase.  SUMMER WARS and ONE PIECE FILM: STRONG WORLD have become hits in Japan winning much praise for their story and visual imagery.  Kid friendly, both films prove to be fun family viewing.

SUMMER WARS takes place in both the real world and a virtual world called Oz, this charming tale has won multiple animation awards, including Best Animation in the 33rd Japan Academy Awards. 

Natsuki, the most popular girl in school, hires math nerd Kenji to be her pretend boyfriend for a family celebration.  While staying at Jinnouchi compound, Kenji, accidentally sets loose a malicious computer virus ironically called “Love Machine” in the virtual world of Oz.  Love Machine creates havoc in the real world by giving infrastructures dependent on computer commands the wrong codes, and not only that - he is also absorbing the identities of people logged in on Oz.  Kenji, Natsuki and the rest of her clan must work together to stop this virtual being before all of Oz and the real world are left in ruins.

SUMMER WARS beautifully shows how powerful social networking has become, yet reminds us that being connected doesn’t always mean being on-line. There are so many layers to this film that you could watch it more than once and still find more to think about, admire and enjoy. 

For those unfamiliar with the ONE PIECE series, here is some background information to familiarize you with the film:  Monkey D. Luffy is our 17-year-old hero who is on a quest to find “One Piece” a legendary treasure whose owner becomes the King of the Pirates.  Luffy and his crew called the “Straw Hats” sail the seas in search of the elusive treasure and at times find themselves at odds with other pirates while also experiencing mystical adventures.  In STRONG WORLD, Luffy and his crew must rescue a fellow Straw Hat, Nami, from a mysterious enemy named Shiki the Golden Lion, who has whisked her away to a floating island called “Strong World.” 

ONE PIECE FILM: STRONG WORLD is the tenth film of the ONE PIECE franchise.  The series started off as a manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda, and because of its popularity, has grown to also become one of the most celebrated television and film series in Japan. STRONG WORLD marks the tenth anniversary of the anime series, and HIFF is very honored to have the International Premiere!

I have to give a big mahalo to Chris who worked so hard getting our 2009 program book on-line so quickly.  I showed my mom the on-line book and the two films she put on her must watch list are: MOTHER (opening night film) and 20TH CENTURY BOYS PT. 3: REDEMPTION.  We are showing parts 1 & 2 again for all of you who weren't able to see it this past Spring.  What do you want to see most?