my year at MIFF

1. RUMBA

It is the most tragic story told in the funniest way possible. For the first time during a movie I contemplated in a conscious manner whether to laugh or cry, which either makes it a senseless show, or a compelling one. Going with the latter, it's Wes Anderson meet Jacques Tati, and absolutely with the musical sensibility of Almodovar.

2. HELP ME EROS

Lee Kang-Sheng has most definitely picked up the ropes from Tsai Ming-Liang in the style of ambiguity and magic realism, though not as masterfully executed by the latter. But I actually like this film better than some of Tsai's films. Maybe because it had a little more sentimentality, and perhaps Lee might just be a more engaging storyteller. I had goosebumps during several parts of the film, in a good way.

3. ACCELERATED SHORTS

The haze, it stood out from the murky rest.

4. PRIVATE LESSONS

Daring, although I think it could have gone further. Towards the end we never knew the characters' true motivations, which makes it rather compelling. 105 minutes with no likable characters.

5. WENDY AND LUCY

Never knew Michelle Williams could held her own so well and gave a painfully real and heartwrenching performance. The minimalist's favourite.

6. 24 CITY

Not a film that sustains interests easily, especially on a lazy weekday afternoon, I dozed off several times during the first quarter but as Jia started to blur the distinction between documentary and fiction, I began to realize actually how fascinating it was. But what was it about? I thought it was a documentary, but I'm not exactly sure.

7. OTTO; OR, UP WITH DEAD PEOPLE.

The idea of a political-zombie film, sex between zombies and the one-liners made everyone in the theater cringed and laughed out loud. It's SO bad that it's good. Amusingly I heard it was one of the audience favourites this year.

8. FLOWER IN THE POCKET

The most endearing film I've watched at MIFF so far is in fact, the first Malaysian feature I've seen. Not technically adept for sure, but it is made and acted with such heart that you can just ignore any other flaws.

9. EVERYTHING IS FINE

Absolutely the best film I have seen this year. I never liked films on teenage adolescence but this changed my mind. Well-played flashbacks and an utterly realistic view about life, although I will never understand the characters' true intentions.

10. DONKEY PUNCH

Sexy film. Predictable. Not much gore as it seemed to promise. Boring.

11. BOOGIE

A true-to-life premise, which is what made the movie stood out for me.

12. WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN?

The kind of film you love and applaud while you're watching it, but as you step out of the theater, you'll be asking, what was the point?

13. ACCELERATED DOCOS

The only one I remembered vividly was one that's called "River of No Return" Really nice insight about some of the indigenous people and the central character. The Marilyn Monroe references was delightful and full of heart.