MIFF 2016 - Day 2

The Red Turtle

A man washes up on a deserted island, and his every attempt to escape is thwarted by a giant red turtle. To say more would ruin the many pleasures of this gorgeously animated film. It's not hard to see why Studio Ghibli became a co-producer, it's a beautiful bit of humanist magic realism. Isao Takahata was a producer and it's very much in line with his sensibilities. But that shouldn't take anything away from the director, Michael Dudok de Wit who is a serious talent. It's just wonderful.

The Eagle Huntress

The story of Aisholpan, a 13 year old girl in Mongolia who wants to become an eagle hunter like her father and grandfather. And in doing so she will become the first female eagle hunter ever. It's a feel-good documentary about a girl with a supportive family taking on something that's assumed to be outside her ability, due to her being a girl, and excelling at it. There's a bit of what feels like artificial drama, as her success is signalled early on, but it's so joyful and spirited I didn't really care. It's one to take your daughters to, here's a role model for them.

The Neon Demon

Nicholas Winding Refn's latest is probably going to frustrate fans of Drive, but if you liked Fear X or Only God Forgives, you're gonna love this one. It's heavy on the symbolism, full of beautifully composed images lit strikingly, rich with weird characters and dialogue, and pretty much bugnuts crazy. I loved it, though there were a few people walking out, the cannibalism and necrophilia didn't go over well with everyone, but it's not hard to see Refn giggling in the corner. This is a very dark satire of the fashion industry, meshed with Refn's love of Jodorowsky and his own uniquely trippy vision. It's not subtle, but it's a hell of a fun ride.