MIFF 2019 - Day 4

A Family Tour

A Chinese film director, exiled to Hong Kong after offending the authorities with a film, finds a way to see her mother again by joining a package tour to Taiwan, pretending they aren't related to each other. It's a gentle film in style, but the anger at a regime that brutalises families and makes them live secret lives is potent.

House of Hummingbird

Eunhee is a teen, growing up in a dysfunctional and abusive family in Seoul. She navigates boyfriends, girlfriends, friends, family, always asking when will her life finally shine. Very much a teen domestic drama, keenly observed and gently refusing to pick easy heroes or villains.

The Gift: The story of Johnny Cash

A pedestrian documentary that nevertheless manages to enlighten you about the life of John R. Cash. It punctures the romantic myths about Johnny and June as a fairy tale love story, showing how hard happily ever after really was. Interesting material presented in an unfortunately average manner. Still worth it for the fans though.

The Wild Goose Lake

A Chinese gangster film of cross, double cross and counter cross. It overstays its welcome, though the final pay-off is almost worth it. But it's a fun time, just not particularly memorable.