MIFF Diving (Jonathan's MIFF 2002 Mini Pass) Mark asked me to put together this mini-pass as something of a counter-point to his own, uh, more intellectual (and I use that word lightly) preview, the idea being that as a pig-ignorant popularist film goer, my pointers would probably serve as good advice to all you other pig-ignorant popularist film goers out there. As it was, half of the stuff I chose ended up on his list anyway, so take that to mean what you will… Having never been to any film festival before, let alone MIFF, the 'preview' below doesn't reflect a tireless research process examining each and every film being screened, or painful hours spent deciding what stays on the list and what goes - it's made up of either simply gut reactions (what looks cool), or pretty safe bets (what everybody - and I mean everybody - tells me is cool). Similarly, I've tried to get a balance that doesn't solely reflect my own tastes, and I'll probably substitute some of these for others I badly want to see anyway (but would probably make for a pretty boring - or disturbing - mini-pass if you're not a Miike Takashi fan). Maybe next year I'll look into what some 'serious' critics have to say about what's on offer, but I couldn't really care this time 'round. If you couldn't really care either, then join me as we plum the depths (!) of the one of the world's premier film festivals and have a bleeding good time while we do it…
1. MUSA: The Warrior (South Korea) "A giant spectacular over the cinemascope screen!" screams the press kit. "The greatest realistic martial arts action ever seen!" I'd best come clean now - I've already seen this on video and damned if it ain't all of those things…and more (sort of). Even though a television screen doesn't do the film justice, it was still a joy to watch. Gorgeously shot, brilliantly choreographed, beautifully designed - every part of the production is spot on. Plus, on the entertainment side, it's got a loony with a freaking huge sword. I'd better stop writing before this becomes a review, as I understand the film needs to be seen in a theatre on the Big Screen to be truly appreciated, but whatever you do, don't miss Musa! Screens Fri 26 July (9:00pm, Village Centre) and Sat 3 August (9:00pm, Forum Theatre)
2. Dead or Alive (Japan) After my experience with Audition, more Miike Takashi can only be a good thing. Admittedly not every one will agree with this, but Dead or Alive is widely recognised as a masterpiece of Japanese cinema, and as a genre piece, it's probably more accessible than, say, Rainy Dog or even The Happiness of the Katakuris (but no less unconventional). Given that his films are quite hard - if not impossible - to find in Australia, this is a great opportunity to get some Miike into ya, but again, this is pretty strong stuff, so stay away if you're squeamish… Screens 27th July (11:00pm, Village Centre) and 30th July (9:00pm, Village Centre)
3. All About Lily Chou-Chou (Japan) This is rather unimaginative of me, but AALCC is only on the list because I've been intrigued by what I've read about the film. The reason it's so high up is because everything I've read has been so overwhelmingly positive - Deni and Alison especially seemed to love it, as did Grady Hendrix (I'm sure Mark will quote him ad nauseam in his preview, so I won't bother with that here). All that aside, some variety is always good, and as much as I love intense Japanese action (and I do), a bit of intense Japanese drama never hurt anyone. We'll see… Screens Fri 2 August (9:00pm, Forum Theatre) and Wed 7 August (9:00pm, Capitol Theatre)
4. Avalon (Japan/Poland) Avalon was due to screen at last year's MIFF, but I for one (in fact, I'm probably the only one) am glad that it didn't. Directed by Oshii 'Ghost in the Shell' Mamoru and selected for competition at Cannes it looks to be the highlight of the Strange New Worlds category screening this year, but what worries me most is the fact that it's a joint production between Japan and Poland! Whatever this means, I'm sure the direction, CG, and intense Japanese action (yes, that again!) will create something formidable that's definitely worth your time. If it doesn't get cancelled again. Screens 2nd August (9:00pm, Capitol Theatre) and 6th August (7:00pm, Village Centre)
5. The Princess Blade (Japan. Again.) Three words: Donnie Yen. The third word is unprintable, this being a family-oriented website and all (f'nar f'nar), but Donnie Yen's name alone should have enough impact to make up for what I can't type. The man gets a co-director's credit for his action choreography for goodness sake, so hopefully that's an indication of how important his work is to the film. If that's not enough, try the plot synopsis in the festival guide. Revenge drama? Code of honour? Ruthless assassins? Wow. Finally, check out the trailer (Only WMP format! Sorry!).  Maybe Avalon won't be the best Strange New Worlds pic after all… Screens 2nd August (11:00pm, Village Centre) and 4th August (3:15pm, Village Centre)
6. You Shoot, I Shoot (Hong Kong! At Last!) You Shoot, I Shoot is certainly worthy of any attention that may be given to it. Like Johnnie To's Full Time Killer, YSIS is a look of that genre of genres, and HK movie staple, the hitman film. Unlike FTK, it takes a humourous approach to its subject matter and perhaps succeeds where the other fails (this is debatable - I love FTK dearly - but regardless, it is curious to note that Pang Ho Cheung, who served as director here, also wrote the novel on which To's film is based). Black comedy and Lam Suet in a devil suit. Genius. Screens 25th July (1:00pm, Capitol Theatre) and 10th August (12:45pm, Forum Theatre)
7. The Happiness of the Katakuris (Japan) Miike Takashi again, but don't worry folks - this one doesn't carry a "CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT MAY OFFEND SOME VIEWERS' sticker. There's something for everyone here - an all-singing, all-dancing musical spectacular featuring the madcap funster combination of a hotel and dead bodies. I've got a feeling that somebody along the line will draw parallels between this and Fawlty Towers, but that's probably the most futile critical effort at comparison ever formulated. You ain't seen nothing yet! Screens 28th July (2:45pm, Forum Theatre) and 7th August (9:30pm, Forum Theatre)
8. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (Japan) The films of Yoshiaki 'Wicked City' Kawajiri are widely known, even by those who aren't rabid anime fans. His name isn't quite so recognised, but hopefully Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust will do something to rectify that (among festival goers at least). Personally I'm not in this one for the "striking visuals" or "outstanding character design." They're bonuses, but what sold me was the New York Times quote describing the "loner ethos" of D coming right out of a Sergio Leone western. Vampires and bounty hunters from the man behind Ninja Scroll - I'm there! Screens 26th July (11:00pm, Capitol Theatre) and 5th August (3:00pm, Village Centre)
9. Dark Water (Japan. Sigh.) From the director of Ring - and yes! - Ring 2, comes Dark Water. Hideo Nakata obviously has a thing for horror films, but as long as he keeps churning 'em out, I'm not complaining. Screens 2nd August (11:00pm, Capitol Theatre) and 8th August (7:00pm, Village Centre)
10. Volcano High (Jap…no, actually - South Korea) An almighty box office smash in its home country, Volcano High is being billed as South Korea's answer to The Matrix and Harry Potter. Besides a plot synopsis, that's all I know, but as far as I'm concerned, it's a case of enough said. Screens 2nd August (7:00pm, Village Centre) and 10th August (1:00pm, Village Centre)   And that's not all! With a bit of fiddling, you can actually squeeze an extra three films into the mini-pass provided you see them before 4:00pm on a weekday. If you was I, I'd have a look at Sorum (a South Korean supernatural thriller that has been described as everything from 'intellectual' to 'ridiculous'), The Isle (not to everyone's taste - it carries the warning sticker again - but this went down such a treat at last year's MIFF it's back as part of the Kim Ki-Duk retrospective) and Teenage Hooker Became Killing Machine in Daehakroh (with a title like that, how can you lose?). There's plenty of other stuff on offer, and I haven't even started on the European/US films. If having to choose is too much for you though, there's always the Festival Pass… Preview by Jonathan McCoy   * Heroic-Cinema's guide to MIFF 2002 * Jonathan's Mini-Pass * Mark's Mini-Pass

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