nelson north by northwest

day 4 of the south island expedition and a cracker day in nelson
first stop - saturday markets smack bang in the centre of the city
impressive too - local arts and crafts, fruit, vegetables, clothing, etc
surprisingly light in patrons but that's good for us - we wander easily
soaps in the shape of cakes a favourite as is a world music cd seller
the blue cheese and black garlic combination has limited appeal
one of our chinese visitors liking it but her stomach not so happy
a promotion for the universal climate change march is spotted
suggesting large crowds will be at tahunanui beach - not here
should be there - a fleeting guilt trip before we then drive out
down highway 6, hang a right pass rabbit island and to mapua
the impression of a town wanting to become a tourist destination
a new retail precinct under construction behind the historical wharf
that hosting a cafe offering a coffee/snack (taken) and views to the island
a ferry trip contemplated but a want to push further north (west) stymies that
there's a focus on art/decor here and a rewarding visit to a metal sculpture shop
forest fusion - walking through the front doors and an instant - oh yes - feeling
a spartan display of works but very impressive they are - nature as metalwork
most striking is a revolving set of metallic petals on a tall stem - wind-blown
$1650 - if i was a rich man - thanks theodore bickell (rip) - but - moving on
that has made the day already so piling back into the vehicle quite content
next stop - the wee organic shop - nice idea but pretty underwhelming
a small bag of goji berries procurred and off we go - cruising is good
the ruby coast certainly worth more-time some-time - we push on
a stop at the award-winning jester's cafe to feed the eels is next
agreement had - overfed eels - but good to see them close-up
motueka comes and goes and soon enough kaiteriteri is ours
this time - little kaiteriteri - lunch and then on to the beach
bewdiful and fully inviting so the first swim of summer it is
lots of photos taken and the time taken to soak up the moment
feeling confident on this glorious day so we agree to keep at it
it's a long haul up over the hill to golden bay and on to takaka
nearly there - a few more kilometres and we are at our destination
te wakkoropupu springs - one of the wonders of the natural world
the purest water delivered up from below ground to form a river
indescribably moving - aman iman comes to mind - water is life
it needs to be fully appreciated - and it is - worth the round trip
return back up and over the hill and a non-stop journey to home
dinner shanghai style server up again before an evening walk
we stumble across the boat shed cafe and take up a table
tirimasu and coffee please - nice too - we'll be back
wander home and an early night - a glorious day...

hanmer - kaikoura - nelson

hanmer springs has turned on a stunner of a day
after breakfast the gang head off downhill to the pools
no big plans for today - an opportunity for settling in
a long drive scheduled for tomorrow so let's take it easy
also a business needs to keep running so it is given attention
another fine meal laid out for late lunch and taken communally
a want to explore the hinterland leads us on a drive of discovery
following jollie's pass road up into (de) forestry roads and lands
the view admired but some feeling a bit uncomfortable in the solitude
so reverse steps and back to a prior spotted picnic area on the outskirts
pleasant 'nuff and suiting the gentle start to what should be a great trip
back at home base the re-acquainting continues with long discussions
sneak away and walk up hill to inspect the above average holiday homes
views across town to a stunning sunset making the walk very enjoyable
settle in for the night and up at it to load up the trailer and head east
a bit of back-tracking then on to a new route heading to kaikoura
easy as really - quiet and good roads, good vehicle, good company
the talking continues allowing guilt-free CD listening for the driver
driving around the coastline south of kaikoura is always a pleasure
crashing waves, deep-green sea and roads winding through tunnels
me - feeling quite proud of this first sight of the sea for our travellers
more treats in store at the seal colony - they are right there for viewing
we hit the local supermarket for lunch supplies and continue northwards
a picnic table commandeered from a paua diver and our lunch is served
smoked chicken, bread rolls, ginger beer - well enjoyed by all it seems
next stop - the store - kekerengu - a favourite and traditional stopover
looking good too - a makeover had with it seems less clutter and choice
we sit outside and enjoy our coffees all round before again pushing on
blenheim comes and goes as the threatened weather change is looming
the plan to head to picton and along queen charlotte drive is scuppered
grab some bags of cherries, point the vehicle west and head to nelson
havelock is first trawled for mussel sellers - nope - too late in the day
so push on we do - state highway 6 is a fun drive over and around hills
car sickness makes a visit as does passenger nervousness - arrival needed
soon enough we are cruising into nelson and directly to our book-a-bach
a restored historical cottage on haven road complete with a steep path up
all hands to the pump to lug all the required gear from trailer to the house
energy levels remain up as the communal meal is then prepared and taken
we've had 5 hours in the saddle and a few more at stopovers - satisfied
the weather forecast promising 3 days of sunshine around nelson
good - lots to see and do - our second digs will serve us well

south island sinokiwi pexidition

day 1 - arrival of our shanghai travelling companions
the previous day loading and driving our rental vehicle
a toyota-land cruiser-prado towing a covered trailer
contents - suitcases, bedding, food, kitchen equipment
an arrival into ashburton at sundown after an easy drive
some excitement chatting with the folks over a dark ale
next day heading out of town and - did you get the esky?
no and no - still on the kitchen floor - oh well - too bad
worried about flight arrival times so we push down and on
too much with some flashing lights tailing us at dunsandel
been wondering about the speed limit when towing a trailer
90kph i am informed - the radar has detected 113kph - ouch
that's $170 worth of lesson and a further issue is presented
the trailer is 2 years out of rego - ha-ha - just kidding
a newer sticker is found but not before cursing the rentees
pushing on more sedately to the airport and a longish wait
seems our 2 ladies - vun-ling and yin-lay have got caught up
but eventually emerging and excitement levels are very high
it's been 40 years since the 3 ladies were last together
the power of the internet re-establishing old friendships
we stack bags in the trailer, abandon it and are city-bound
cruise into a popular hagley park and a wandering we then go
the chatter continues unabated as kiwi takes the role of tour guide
following the avon river to the boatsheds as we previously planned
iced coffees all round on this beautiful spring day in christchurch
a plan to then wander into the devastation of the 2011 earthquake
this presenting an opportunity - a phonecall made - a plan hatched
while the ladies walk a drive back to dunsandel for a rendezvous
the esky is delivered and most importantly it's contents - food
return to city central and a pickup of the ladies and to the airport
a shorter wait this time for shor-tee and chew-my - all now present
the trailer now loaded to the max and likewise 6 people in the vehicle
all good - the power of the diesel engine making light work of it all
heading north on a congested road but soon easing up and cruise speed
our destination of hanmer springs reached easily and without incident
the gps leading us straight to our book-a-bach digs - alpine retreat
a spacious split-levelled wood-panelled home is ours for two nights
the decor a bit dated but it is clean, well-appointed and welcoming
beds and rooms allocated and dinner is conjured from the trailer
with 3 cooks on the case the kiwi food is given sino treatment
yum-mo - devoured while the chat continues - we are all happy
the rice wine also hits the mark as happy campers hit the sack
months of preparation now turning to reality - so far - so good

black mass

unusually a bit of a personal connection with a hollywood film
2 degrees of separation with the father-son executive producers
apart from that some positive reviews puts this one on the c list
evening viewing on a stunning day explaining the empty theatre?
a face fills the screen and questions flow from an unseen interviewer
sub-titles explaining this is whitey bulgers main man dobbing on him
so right at the start we know how this is going to end as we go back in time
kevin is a bouncer at a club who shows willingness to take and inflict violence
this catches the eye of bulger (johnny depp) who inducts kevin appropriately
first bulger then kevin brutally beating up an ally who has let down the boss
it's confronting stuff but bulger the psychopath and depp the actor impressing
bulger has a soft side - seen playing cards with his mother and letting her win
brother billy (benedict cumberbatch) is visiting also - the state senate president
though the brothers are poles apart professionally there is a degree of respect
the other main man then introduced - fbi agent john connelly (joel edgerton)
he grew up in the same boston neighbourhood so the 3 lads are quite close
so far so good - though the english and australian actors seem to overplay
cumberbatch and edgerton laying on thick boston accents is a distraction
but this well compensated for by mr depp who is in command in his role
so just going with the story - bulger is relatively small time in south boston
it's the mafia who are the serious gangsters and the main problem for the fbi
so connelly suggests to his boss (kevin bacon) that the fbi make a covert deal
they will leave bulger to his criminal ways in return for information on the mafia
at first bulger is scornful of assisting the fbi but he soon sees the advantages
and so it goes - he becomes more powerful as the mafia get regularly busted
it all seems quite plausible - and is based on fact - greed and ego at work
there's no pulling of punches when it comes to bulgers psychopathic side
scenes of full on violence on those that cross his path including women
i usually hate that in a film but here it unfortunately seems relevant
a turning point for several of his colleagues to ultimately turn on him
this as a new fbi director comes to town and starts asking questions
why is the man clearly responsible for so much serious crime clean
clever scripting, clever acting and directing all working well here
some jumping back and forward in time providing a good balance
my want to find fault and criticise is on the wane as i fully engage
a sense of relief to see johnny depp in a decent role also at work
full circle we go as the closing scenes show the police interviews
bulger seen taking on a disguise and high-tailing it out of boston
the prologue mostly the usual text on screen to wrap up the story
each major character's later life briefly but interestingly explained
the corrupt cops busted and jailed - bulger a long time fugitive
but eventually caught, tried, locked up and then died in prison
the facts of the matter in this true story adding to the appeal
very much liked this film and happy for the exec producers
it should do well - mr depp may well be an oscar contender
a huge turnaround for him - so all involved should be happy...

the martian

hollywood have got a new fave cash-call genre - space flicks
gravity, interstellar and now this one also with a big name star
everyone loves matt damon so a safe bet to get bums on seats
this film also offered in 3d format so it's a shot at a blockbuster
i last saw matt damon in his cameo in the crock of interstellar
i'm a bit suspicious of a repeat showing but my bum is placed
impressive opening scenes with mark watney (damon) on mars
teasing banter with his fellow astronauts setting the tone already
as are the actors including 2 attractive ladies and a cheeky latino
word comes that an approaching storm means a mission abort                    
it hits hard and fast with watney taken out by a dislodged dish
he is left for dead as the others scramble on board and blast off
back on earth the head of nasa (jeff daniels) announces his death
his own team also includes good looking women and a black chap
yep - this is going to be hollywood formulaic stuff - no surprises
on the red planet watney is aroused by a low-oxygen warning
his space suit pierced by an aerial and a stumble to home base
inside he strips to the waist - so buff - and performs self-surgery
excruciating with matt damon also showing off his acting skills
he then firing up a computer to make a log entry of his situation
which is really about telling us he has a 4 year wait for a rescue
his initial despair dispelled with a resolute - 'i'm not going to die'
and then into survival mode he goes with he the botanist at work
firstly using his own excrement and potatoes to make more potatoes
setting up a greenhouse and using basic chemistry for condensation
and all the while the only music he has found is playing - 70s disco
yea lol - but thinking - the audience will love it - a cutesy soundtrack
nasa discovers he is alive and with that sentimentalism cranks up also
communication is established with the whole world watching our man
a rushed rescue mission explodes on liftoff  - no mention of casualties
the nasa of china offer to help and some patronising dialogue included
but at least they come across as allies and not otherwise as expected
an alternative plan is hatched to send the escaping craft back to mars
the nerd with the idea has his laptop plugged into nasa's supercomputer
'calculations correct' pops up and then he convinces nasa of his plan
this done in a kindergarten-ish demonstration of his slingshot idea
on board the earthbound ship is an opportunity to crank up the 3d
scenes of weightlessness inside the huge craft seem very realistic
not so much the scenes on the red planet as watney goes cruising
the plan is for him to drive 3200km in the rover to a waiting rocket
apparently for a future mission but he will use it for a rendezvous
the feelgood factor cranked to the max now with the use of music
bowie - starman and abba - waterloo and me - slumping in my seat
too too much and we're past the 2 hour point now so hanging on
blast-off on a weight-reduced rocket - a tarp covers it's nose - what?
the rendezvous happens - watney and the lady commander hook up
she on a long tether - he in a space suit with improvised jet propulsion
his greeting - 'you've got terrible taste in music' - a director cops out
more warm and fuzzies on board as he reunites with his buddies
scenes of elation all over the world with crowds in city squares
but wait there's more - the epilogue sees our man in a lecture
talking about the power of tenacity, the will to live, etc, etc
take a bow matt damon - you have entirely saved this film
everyone else a bit player, every scenario compromised
universally positive reviews though - me - just a grouch
i think i must prefer my science-fiction more s than f...

a central to go

time for a little venture - spring has finally sprung it seems
central otago is celebrating with it's annual blossom festival
alexandra is the hub on this saturday with a street parade and gala
it's celebration time with the seriousness of their winter now passing
we head out of grey and chilly dunedin as early as we can get it together
drive south past milton, hang a right and head for the hills towards central
the mandatory stop at lawrence for scones, coffee and country hospitality
then onward to alexandra and arrival as the locals also start converging
a parade soon underway and a comfortable vantage point is soon found
the monteiths pub - a dark ale and a platter enjoyed in the spring sun
trucks, trucks and more trucks - vintage cars, a pipe band and clowns
a sombre moment with fake-bloodied ww1 dressed soldiers on horses
we enter the ticketed area and peruse the many stalls flogging stuff
manuka smoked eggs, hemp oil and local saffron happily purchased
then a decision - enough - back in the pug and head further westwards
queenstown the target and always a drive of quiet anticipation heading there
arrival means the mandatory sit-on-the-beach and walk-around-the-esplanade
huge ice-cream cones in hand from patagonia - another tradition is observed
market day so quite a few people milling around and also enjoying the sun
head to the digs, check-in, check-ok, shower and then the next tradition
ferg-burger - a snaking queue so ferg-pastry is an option - pies - done
next day - woo-hoo - clear, still skies and a frost-covered windscreen
breakfast taken at the frankton marina - the old post office cafe - nice
then the very easy drive up to coronet peak with hired ski-gear on board
a small queue, a small walk and we're onto the quad chairlift in no time
10:30-ish as we disembark from our transport and admire the views
simply stunning with snow-capped mountains, lakes and blue skies
let the shushing begin as we first follow a wide path then head down
skiing is like bike-riding - never forgotten and the rhythm kicks in
the slopes are a bit crunchy but firm, smooth and accommodating
surprisingly low numbers of fellow skiers and more popular boarders
no complaints there as we arrive at the base and immediately get a lift
the ride up presenting an opportunity to recall past glory skiing days
nothing quite like it really and so happy to get back into the groove
aware also that our recent strict exercise regime provides payback
though after a few runs the knees and leg muscles are being tested
the hint is taken - ferg pies for lunch washed down with a mull wine
looking back up at the steep-ish slopes - conquered - we done good
dudes on guitars providing a nice audio backdrop to this fine scene
the afternoon then spent in the cycle of ride, ski, admire, photo, beer
a determination to stay upright means the limits only pushed in safety
hitting the turbo button only in smooth conditions to get wind-in-hair
hair-happy but legs-stretched so cruise control is the main mode in use
our last run perfectly coinciding with lift shutdown so we bid farewell
the easiest of drives back to our digs and a very welcome hot shower
back to the centre of this universe and a short queue at fergburger
sitting inside devouring their fine fare and some draught speights
all guilt-free - we earnt it - then a  wander and a lakeside drive
an early night for a restful sleep and a fine monday morning
pack up - brekkie at a cottage cafe in arrowtown and head home
but first another tradition to be observed - lunch at mt difficulty
their platter-for-two and pinot-noir samples enjoyed to the max
sitting in the spring sun with no pressure - just more pleasure
driving on - a stop at ettrick to load up with fruit and wood
lawrence again providing the perfectly timed coffee stop
and finally back home with a very full car and bellies
we did it - finally - got on the slopes in nz - more please...

sicario

sicario - the meaning spelt out in text as the film starts
jewish zealots armed with daggers attempting to expel romans
but more ominously for this film - the mexican meaning - hitman
the action starts with a secret daylight raid on a suburban house
heavily armed men in black surround it as a large truck drives up
it crashes through a wall to launch the familiar room to room raid
one man inside is efficiently shot as he attempts to defend himself
our heroine kate (emily blunt) seems to be in charge and perplexed
nothing inside - until they start ripping into the walls to find corpses
and plenty of them - she and others seen vomiting - then an explosion
one of the troops opening a hatch in an outside shed setting off the trap
crikey - it's all very full-on and actually quite realistic it feels - liking it
there is now concern that the cartels are so deep into american territory
this done with a realistic looking tv news item about the house of horror
it seems kate has a reputation that sees her then in a casual job interview
married? - divorced - kids? - no - wanna help deal with drug cartels? - sure
matt (james brolin) wants her on board and so tells her she has to volunteer
she and him then seen boarding a private jet and joined by one serious dude
he being alejandro (benicio del toro) - gives nothing away while matt sleeps
some stunning footage of the small shadow of the jet over hostile terrain
a suggestion we are indeed heading into alien territory on this mission
they land in mexico and are then seen as part of a convoy of vehicles
some kind of raid - many heavily armed suvs branded as federal police
the town they are in is in squalor - there are people hanging and mutilated
a comment made that the cartels do that to remind people who is in charge
it's all quite confronting but i'm happy to go with it - it does seem plausible
high-tech surveillance and guidance systems means targeting is precise
so the nab their man and back-track out of the place without incident
but at the border crossing the remaining unmarked vehicles hit a snag
traffic has stopped are they are warned armed men are in other cars
those men are stalked, confronted and taken out with precision gunfire
back at home base kate goes nuts - her fbi persona screaming 'illegal'
but a reminder that this group is acting on orders from high - forget it
some time out then sees her at a bar and introduced to a baseball star
they hit it off and back at her pad she spots evidence of cartel links
it then turns violent with some very impressively acted fight scenes
alejandro (hitman) shows up at the nick of time to nab her assailant
she then suspecting she is being used as bait - too late - in too deep
the team then receive a tip-off about the location of a covert tunnel
and in they go - complete with night-vision cameras and weaponry
we see most of the action through the cameras and so more realism
a shootout and emerging on the mexican side in a large warehouse
a corrupt policeman seen unloading bags of cocaine from his car
alejandro then orders him to drive and they latch onto a luxury merc
the policeman shot, the merc driver then ordered to drive to his base
this being the home of the main cartel head they have been targetting
he responsible for the beheading and acid-bathing of alejandro's family
upon confronting him he says - nothing personal - alejandro - it was for me
of course the hitman then takes out the boss and his own wife and 2 sons
the end - but for a final scene of young mexican boys and a game of soccer
one lad the son of the corrupt policeman - and there's explosions nearby
normal life it seems in this most desperate of places - mexico - na - pass
the film closing out with some more eerie music from johann johannson
so well done - take a bow dennis villenueve (enemy, prisoners, etc)
there's talk of a sequel as it will be a critical and commercial success
the mixture is right - realism, violence, guns, sex, drugs...and...music

13 minutes

mostly lukewarm reviews for this film but ignoring that
a missed and compelling piece of history under the spotlight
georg elser - a german driven to try and assassinate adolf hitler
straight into it in the opening scenes as he prepares a huge bomb
alone, in secret, in a darkened building with a mouth-held torch
the significance of the building explained with scenes of a speech
hitler addressing the troops and announcing austria's now allegiance
he interrupted with a note advising his car won't start - a mental note
elser has made the final preparations and hoofs it to the swiss border
he is arrested for wearing a badge of the illegal communist party
and curiously he has bomb and building plans on him still - why?
the bomb explodes but hitler had left the building 13 minutes earlier
seems his transportation issues lead to an unplanned early departure
8 people are killed and soon enough the connection to elser is made
hitler famously sees his escape as divine approval for his actions
he orders that elser is interrogated to determine his collaborators
a raid on elser's home town has all his family and fiance arrested
reich criminal director arthur nebe is first seen interviewing elser
he is soon joined by gestapo chief heinrich muller - heavy dudes
a bit of a good-cop-bad-cop routine develops with these 2 chaps
nebe seemingly believing and impressed by elser acting alone
muller (and hitler) wanting the names of his co-collaborators
elser's first act of defiance is to bravely sing to his interviewer
this then nicely segueing to lakeside scenes some 8 years earlier
elser seen on an accordian in a musical group entertaining friends
happy days and a nice insight into a carefree time before the war
elser is a womaniser also and is soon pursuing already married elsa
their love story in the small german village in itself is quite compelling
the growing sense of nationalism a clear reminder of how it can happen
but then back to the present and elser's defiance is irking his captors
nuller starts the beatings and torture to extract the required names
elser refusing to provide basic details such as his name and birthdate
it's hard to watch these scenes but i am grateful for the sense of reality
relief for him and us when elsa is brought in with a threat of torture
fearing for her he agrees to provide a full confession of the bombing
and then another flashback to more recent times to fill in some gaps
nationalists and hitler youth in his village at odds with many adults
they then marginalised and derided for their religion or beliefs
of course a common scenario in many times and in many places
and here done in such a realistic way with no sledgehammering
we know the outcome of this and elser similarly sees the danger
he confides with a friend that he has decided a bold act is required
hitler and his top leaders need to be taken out - and he goes to work
elser has been a clock-maker, a carpenter and is currently a turner
his skills, intelligence and determination combining on his project
over a long period of time he gathers equipment and explosives
all the while his love story with now divorced elsa is played out
back to the present and his captors still demanding more names
providing accurate details of how he built the bomb saves him
and with the full breakout of war then distracting his captors
5 years later we see them again with muller arresting nebe
he being part of the stauffenberg plot to assassinate hitler
a suggestion then that nebe was directly influenced by elser
more squirming with a scene of nebe hung by a piece of wire
elser is next seen in dachau concentration camp but looking ok
he spends his days making zithers - until someone issues an order
he is lead away from his cell and shot point blank in his head
the end - and the end of film text provides some sad details
this happened 2  days before the camp was finally liberated
but not before 55 million people perished in this brutal war
a clear reminder of what could have been but for 13 minutes
if this was fiction it would be impressive but it is factual
not sure why the average reviews - for me - essential...

kapukataumahaka

there's 3 ways to get to the summit of mt cargill (676 metres)
drive - not today thanks - and 2 walks of 3-4 hours round trip
bethunes gully reads as a place worthy of a visit so it is selected
a short drive down an unsealed road at the end of north-east valley
park the car, on with the jacket and backpack and a-hiking we go
it's immediately impressive with a path cutting through a reserve
a loudly running stream, grassed areas, swings, a bar-b-que area
all surrounded by very tall pines housing some happy bellbirds
we agree this will be a perfect picnic spot one summer evening
but today it is a place of transience only and so it is a fleeting visit
a gentle wander up the clearings and a bridge crossing the stream
then into what looks, feels, smells and sounds like a real rainforest
a pleasant surprise really - the path is wet but is well maintained
the radiata (?) pines are huge - 40-50 metres tall and straight
dappled sunlight on this relatively warm afternoon a nice effect
the path turns regularly - no single stretch more than 5-10 metres
the canopy now quite thick and ferns, etc now also dominating
so a sense of not really knowing what lays ahead except upwards
pre-walk reading suggesting an easy walk and a choice to be made
do the bethunes gully loop or divert at some point to mt cargill's peak
we cross small bridges, admire small waterfalls and take in some views
but the path keeps going and going - nearly an hour later is decision time
we have climbed up a long way and still a way to go to the visible summit
our party splits - but an urge to continue sees more uphill walking activity
a couple descending interrogated - there's a fork about 700 meters ahead
and only 15-20 minutes to the summit - encouraging words so pushing on
some 15 minutes later the fork is reached - but no real choice is available
down via a different track to another car-park or 30 minutes to the peak
oh well come this far and the antenna actually looks quite close up there
but the terrain has changed - the graded track now more demanding
in parts maneuvering boulders, puddles or a set of steep, large steps
the heart is pumping, the legs are heavy and the clothing now soaked
stops are often but the views are stunning out across the peninsula
a group of people taking up prime space in the tussock for a picnic
another sign then spotted - 5 minutes to the summit - and fresh legs
striding to the top and the very impressive installation is investigated
a few cars and people having made the easy journey up - phooey
the panorama is superb from the city at right to warrington at left
fortunately the weather is also on side so time taken to enjoy it
then - reverse mode - back down the same path taken up
walking quite quickly and a feeling - yep - the knees are ok
(longer walks and/or a ski trip can be comtemplated/planned)
50 minutes down and double that up - less than 3 hours advised
feeling quite exhilerated by it all really as we drive back to the city
looking up at the peak - woo-hoo - conquered that - give it a tick
beer and chips considered - coffee and potatoes taken instead
very happy to have made the effort to discover this great walk
we shall return - at least to base camp for a summer picnic...

ever the land

the price of peace - a very memorable documentary at nziff 2015
tame iti featured prominently in that film - as did the tuhoe people
this film is more focused on tuhoe - particularly after the agreement
that document signed with the crown in 2014 and a landmark event
scenes of that in the prior film quite moving and pricking my curiosity
so an easy decision to take in this film as a sort of unofficial follow-up
but more focussed on the project to construct a communal building
we're looking out a window to a valley on a wet day as a bus pulls up
then as voyeurs to several meetings where the project is being discussed
all very casual, friendly and respectful of any person wanting to comment
seems the tuhoe people have a large pool of money available to spend
some want to use it to improve the housing conditions of a lot of people
others want to make a statement and build something more symbolic
the decision is taken to move on with building a large communal centre
te papa architect ivan mercep brought on board to design the building
even at age 84 he is keen to assist and throws himself into the project
there's a brief to make the building as self-sustainable as possible
community involvement in the process is also a high priority
as is the stipulation that locally sourced materials are used
so we see scenes of mud-bricks being formed and trees logged
the trees used as supporting poles and the bricks used in walls
as the film progresses the director's intent becomes quite obvious
there's very little dialogue and text provided as in most documentaries
the low-key, casual nature of the people is reflected in the film style
many scenes of people just going about their business as the camera rolls
some seems of little consequence to the building itself but that may be the point
a feeling that what the director is trying to do is provide a connection with tuhoe
mothers seen reading to children, mates gathered around a guitar and chatting
meat being hacked up and dropped onto a bar-b-que, beers being shared out
pretty average stuff really - again - that's the point i suspect - people's lives
and all this shown without comment, voice-over or explanation - just images
surely the intention being to allow us to feel like we are part of it all - done
the building itself takes shape and in particular the prominent frontage
2 huge curved beams of timber slabs are joined as a symbolic entrance
inside we hear about how the mud bricks aid in temperature control
one lady expert delighted with that and the placement of windows
there are also banks of solar panels in place to aid sustainability
it's all very impressive - we dwell on it all with 2 ladies inside
just looking on at the expanse of it - 'beautiful' is said often
the film's moving climax is the official opening of the building
a large crowd of guests seen slowly moving past the entrance way
maori warriors leading the way and a wero (challenge) is presented
the silhouette of tame iti seen as the person picking up the branch
this serious ceremony always sombre and always quite moving
the sense of occasion well encapsulated in this part of the film
but then it all relaxes as we also see children cutting flax ribbons
some speeches from representatives of the crown and it's done
there's a pervasive sense of contentment in the tuhoe community
me - ditto - feeling quite mellowed by it all and a want to visit
that feeling working well with the final scene out the same window
a bus pulls up - a lady gets off and walks towards us - coming home?
but possibly also a subtle invitation to viewers to make the journey
a mental note made for a visit on the next trip to the bay of plenty
the film certainly making it clear this is a welcoming community
with their new and impressive building central to that feeling
nicely done - the rolling credits mentioning a lot of people
very glad to have taken the time to be part of this project...

purakaunui beach

weird old day - early spring - snow on the hills and in the air
the day spent largely indoors regularly tossing wood on the fire
sunday excursion plans thwarted by a rearguard action by winter
but a mid afternoon break in the weather aligning with the tides
our destination of choice requiring low tide for the best result
stage 1 - drive out to port chalmers and up and over the hill
take the right to purakaunui and then soon the left to osborne
past that town and follow the narrow shingle road to the end
a sign warning the road not suitable for vehicles so the car parked
double jackets and beanies taken on and follow the track onwards
no idea how far this will be - can't hear or see any sign of a beach
a pleasant amble though - dodging puddles the main pre-occupation
high rock cliffs on one side - a pine tree forest the other - and no rain
the 4wd-only track then becomes dominated by sand so a good sign
and then the ocean is in view and we are onto a long flat empty beach
the sun peaking out and a few gusts of wind providing a stunning sight
it's tempting to take the long walk along the desolate beach to the right
but there's caves to be found and explored so we head left and westerly
clamber up a set of wooden steps and a choice - up to the pa or push on
the pa can wait - we drop down onto another beach on a protected bay
just beautiful - there's whitecaps and large surf to be seen in the distance
but here - calm, gentle and sheltered with a rock-face immediately behind
agreement on a superb picnic, swimming, day-trip spot for summer times
and a beach-ambling we go - and scrambling over rocks also required
the tide not fully out yet so we have the choice of rocks or wet feet
and in the distance under a huge rock formation we can see a hole
there's light emanating at the base indicating it's a walk-through
we edge closer and excitement levels build - the caves are found
a walk on sand through the first with the ceiling just about heads
emerge from that and into a second one of similar size and height
on the flat sand we see some homosapiens coming towards us
coming from the other access point at doctors point we agree
the threatening rains start so we assume a spot in the first cave
and a plan is hatched - we could easily park here for a night
bring a stretcher, food, lamp and cooking equipment - yee-haa
but then oops - high tide would surely spoil the party - oh well
the rain is light and insistent but we are warm, dry and content
as it passes there's a clearing in the sky with nature at it's best
photos snapped but nothing can capture this place at this time
reversing our steps back and a quick look at the place of the pa
the rain threatening again so a promise to return for research there
a farewell to this stunning place and a walk back along the path out
15 minutes later we arrive at the car just as it really buckets down
lucky us - we have been blessed with a break in the weather
another discovery of another stunning spot on the peninsula
back home the fire is stoked and the red wine is poured
taken with a very tasty seafood chowder - good days...

last cab to darwin

i've been looking forward to seeing this one for a while
for one it traces a road trip similar to our own mid-year jaunt
but the main appeal is that ed kuepper has composed the music
there are other big names involved too so anticipation levels high
the film opens in broken hill where cab-driver rex lives and works
he has no family, lives alone and enjoys spinning vinyl records
atlanta rhythm section - so into you - sees him grooving away
masters apprentices and richard clapton also heard and enjoyed
early scenes feature rex driving around town plying his trade
he picks up a mate and his latest conquest - mum's the word
soon after with his mates in a pub she is the publican's wife
at home he is seen joshing with his neighbour over the road
polly is an aboriginal woman who gives it as good as she gets
also moments of tenderness between them sitting on the porch
she concerned about his health and suggests a visit to the doctor
there we learn his stomach cancer has returned with a vengeance
he is told he has 3 months to live but typically he keeps that quiet
until he makes a call on a talkback radio show to a euthanasia doctor
it just so happens everyone he knows is tuned in and hears his confession
at first thinking - na - not likely - but then - well - talkback radio is king
nicole farmer (jacqi weaver) is the darwin-based doctor (philip nitschke)
in a flash rex has decided to seek her assistance and so drive to darwin
not one for hospitals or fond farewells he leaves a letter and heads off
and with that mr kuepper's sublime soundscape music really kicks in
stunning scenes of australia's dead heart best seen on a big screen
a road train streams past him leading to a smashed windscreen
pulling in at the nearest town - william creek - and into the pub
familiar too - we spent time there in a lake eyre flight stopover
which just adds to the very authentic feel of this fine aussie film
there a young aboriginal man hanging around repairs the windscreen
part payment being a ride in rex's cab to his home town of oodnadatta
tilly is a bit of a home town hero there - selected to play afl for essendon
he has a wife and kids and a confidence problem so didn't take the gig
rex warms to him as do we - he's a good-looking, fun-loving larrikin
there's also a club in darwin interested in his skills so he now on board
at a roadhouse along the way a blonde english barmaid serves them
she is instantly smittnen with tilley - ah yes - the romantic element
though rex is also putting into calls to polly and declaring his love
she not having it though - angry that rex has left his house to her
funny scenes at the roadhouse when tilly performs to the crowd
the butcher song - you but-cher left foot in, your left foot out....
totally feel good - not a hint of racism with this white crowd
tilly and julie hit it off and there's now 3 in the drive north
she is a qualified nurse so can also tend to a now ailing rex
they soon roll into darwin and straight to doctor farmer's clinic
she a little wary of rex's expectations to be quickly euthanised
a reality check with lawmakers imposing very tight conditions
various experts needing to sign off on his state of mental health
giving time for the film to further develop our 3 lead's relationships
rex is now in a physical mess and entirely dependent on nurse julie
tilly joins the afl club but sadly also hits the bottle with his mob
polly finally declares her love for rex - 'always have loved ya'
out of desperation julie agrees to use the euthansia kit on rex
and as the liquid enters his vein - he rips it out - ah - polly
bids farewell to julie and high-tails it back to broken hill
the final scene has him on his porch with her next to him
he will die - but not now - there's a happy ending to be had
what a great film and with a superb soundtrack in the mix
so much else to like about it also but mostly it's honesty
there's no sugar-coating of life in outback australia
just a lot of hardened but genuinely good people
so for that the film has hit home brilliantly...

a most violent year

oscar isaac has been on my viewing horizon a bit lately
ex machina, 2 faces of january, in secret, inside llewyn davis
always impressive and one of those who owns their character
so not much hesitation in adding this one to the must-see list
the man seen on an early morning run on new york streets
the scene is set - it is bleak and he is in the waterfront district
next - a couple of late model mercs pull up to an armoured car
out steps abel morales (isaac) wearing a very sharp mustard coat
his beautiful wife anna (jessica chastain) is similarly well attired
it is 1981 - a statement of intent made with the cars and fashion
a couple of suitcases change hands - abel takes ownership
he confers with anna - you sure about this? - yes let's do it
abel and his lawyer then enter a relocatable container office
inside they are negotiating with an elderly jewish man and sons
they own a large abandoned waterfront property with fuel tanks
owning that would give abel the step up he needs - a deposit paid
he has 30 days to find the rest of the cash or it goes to his competitors
cut to a large fuel truck passing through a tollway - the driver attacked
dragged from his truck, savagely beaten and the truck and fuel stolen
one of abel's trucks and he then seen visiting the driver in hospital
abel seems compassionate - at home that night anna is concerned
she the daughter of the mobster who previously owned the business
so from that presumably street-wise - he pleads for her to stay calm
soon enough though a night intruder is interrupted at their own home
abel chases him off - just a punk - next day his daughter has a gun
found outside - loaded and safety catch off - anna goes nuts at abel
that was no punk - that was a goon -  i.e. working for a mobster
she sees it as a state of war and demands to arm all the drivers
abel is wanting to do things by the book and calms her down
she relinquishes to his tenderness and we then breathe easy
this is a fine film - gritty as hell but with it very authentic
everything about it seems early eighties but subtle not overt
the (black) d a is on abel's case too as part of a cleanup
seems the home fuel industry is in line for some attention
the beautiful couple seen out one night at a charity dinner
on the way home their car strikes a deer on a back road
it is severely maimed and anna demands able finish it off
he finds a hammer and before he strikes she shoots it dead
he is quietly furious leading to an intense argument at home
the gun is illegal and has no permit - not his modus operandi
it's despairing to see them fight but their love soon interrupts
and again - thinking - great acting - great directing - great film
meanwhile their fuel trucks continue to be sabotaged or stolen
leading to their usually loyal bank withdrawing their line of credit
the 30 day deadline is looming so other means of finance required
it is apparant one of abel's competitors is behind the sabotages
they are all asked to a meeting where he says a few smart words
stop - just stop - have some pride in the way you do business
shortly after abel hears of a nearby hi-jacking that he then pursues
so the mandatory truck/car chase in the streets of new york happens
then onto a train as he pursues the driver after the truck is crashed
he finally catches him but stops short of maiming or killing him
let's him go but gets the information he needs as the thief runs off
he then confronts the responsible competitor and demands payment
that or the fbi will be contacted - payment is then agreed and secured
at home anna confesses to having fleeced the company for many years
security for her and the kids she says - he of course is infuriated
but reality overcomes that and he is grateful for her foresight
the deal is closed and the final scenes as good as any others
standing on the property and a handshake from the d a
suggesting political office should be considered
and advising he would be with him all the way
that seems realistic enough - cool ending - cool film...

tale of tales

wild tales - the closing night film for nziff 2014
what a hoot - 6 short films of revenge from argentina
this year another set of tales intertwined for the closing night
and again deliberately little known about the film pre-screening
the opening scene - the camera follows a boy with a mop of red hair
could be anywhere, anytime as he walks amongst circus performers
more of them seen inside laying on entertainment to a king and queen
john c riley and salma hayek playing the rather bored looking couple
at least until one of the dancers inadvertently reveals her pregnancy
the alarmed queen bolts for it and is pursued by the concerned king
in private he consoles her as she despairs about their lack of children
a rasputin type character then advises the king how to solve the problem
kill a sea serpent, remove it's heart and a maid must cook it for his queen
the film then heads off to fantasy land with strange scenes on the seabed
the king in a diver dan suit spearing a monster fish that strikes him back
he dies on the shore but not before cutting out the creature's huge heart
the maid cooks it up and the queen then seen tucking into it - gross
many years later the queen is chasing her son inside a garden maze
he himself pursuing his friend and son of a maid  - identical albinos
the maid who cooked the heart and the queen eating it each have sons
then a complete change with a pair of passionate and topless women
in a carriage - a moustached man then reveals himself down below
crikey this may be a film based on italian fables but it is r rated
seems he is a king also with scenes following of his lustful ways
any woman anywhere and then entranced by a beautiful voice
heard coming from the village adjoining his hilltop castle
he finds the house and insists on meeting the lady of the voice
we know she is an old and wizened woman living with her sister
through a closed door she promises to come to his chambers at night
this all seems to happen in the same castle as the earlier scenes
part 3 then starts up - another king (toby jones) being entertained
his teenage daughter is singing but the king is distracted by fleas
she not happy about that nor that her whole live is castle bound
in his own quarters her father has a secret - he has a flea as a pet
which grows and grows to the size of a sheep - though uglier
i now realise this is one of the strangest films i have ever seen
but i like it - especially as the film seems to be true to the fables
or i assume so - it feels oldy worldy even with the use of cgi
having started the thread of 3 stories the film then mixes it up
the albino lookalikes are forced apart with the royal one leaving
and with that the film then moving out of the castle to the woods
strange encounters a-plenty and the friends eventually reconciled
the lusty king has his way with the singer - at night in darkness
he awakes to see an old woman beside him - she is hurled out
falling through a window to the woods and then transforming
becoming a beautiful woman and then marrying the king
the other king's flea dies and is skinned for a competition
the man that names this skin shall have my daughter's hand
thinking a clever man will win but not so - an ogre claims her
and carts her off to his mountain lair - me thinking - ah - shrek
more strange scenes as she is rescued by a troupe of performers
but the ogre tracks them down, kills them and reclaims his princess
in a moment of affection she slices his throat and escapes again
returns to the castle and her despondent father - he abdicates
and in the final celebratory scenes the 3 stories are connected
still thinking that is the strangest film i have ever watched
but with that an appreciation of the sheer artistry of it all
and a director with clear respect for the original fables
another fantastic ending for another wonderful nziff...

clouds of sils maria

been looking forward to seeing this one for a year
saw it in small screen mode on a busy long-haul flight
which counts for nothing except a want to see it 'properly'
so very happy to see it listed in the program for nziff 2015
it's on the biggest screen with the best sound so centre seated
juliet binoche is one of those stars with an impeccable record
a thousand times goodnight last seen - female suicide bombers
here she teams up with kristen stewart no doubt looking for a break
too much time in the twilight (films) so let's see how good she is
the film opens on a train in switzerland - ah familiarity is good
the main lady is playing maria enders who is a famous actor
kristen stewart is playing valentine her personal assistant
she seen juggling phones and phone calls in the moving train
consultation with maria as necessary for her input on issues
their conversation revealing the reason for their trip to zurich
maria is to talk at a ceremony honouring a famous director
he making her famous in a play 20 years prior about 2 women
maria played sigrid who has an affair with a older woman helena
seems helena is used by sigrid which leads to helena's suicide
ok noted - and also noted - the 3 levels of female relationships
juliette and kristen, maria and valentine, helena and sigrid
and in each case a significant age difference is in the mix
moving on - a phone call reveals that the director has died
so the celebration becomes a wake at which maria is the star
begrudgingly sharing the stage with a fellow actor and ex-lover
afterwards she is approached by a famous contemporary director
he wants to resurrect the play with maria now as the older helena
at first she resists but eventually she agrees to take on the challenge
the next day in the swiss alps maria and valentine visit the new widow
she is heading away so offers them her house for an indefinite period
perfect for maria to rehearse the play and an idyllic place to stay also
a walk in the alps overlooking a lake and snake-like cloud formation
the town is sils maria - the clouds (and play) known as the maloja snake
all good so far and all very nicely set up and relationships well defined
most enjoyable is the interplay between ms binoche and ms stewart
more so as kristen/valentine role-plays sigrid to juliet/maria as helena
very clever acting and directing going on to keep the roles distinct
intriguing too - close relationships being teased out on three levels
as we get comfortable with that a further female element is added
the director has engaged a famous young actor for the role of sigrid
jo-anne ellis is a superstar of her generation due to megahit films
ah clever - an actor revered and made famous like - kristen stewart
more multi-level acting going on as they all meet up for a love-in
maria (binoche), valentine (stewart) and jo-anne (chloe grace moretz)
art imitates life imitates art as they fawn over each other's careers
there are more complications with jo-anne having a secret affair
valentine similarly is conducting an affair with a photographer
maria maternally looks on and recalls her own sad love-life
valentine grows anxious about maria's dependence on her
this juxtaposed as they role-play the lovers in the play
then one day on a walk in the alps valentine disappears
we cut to several weeks later and it's opening night
a full house and maria ready to appear as helena
last-minute advice to jo-anne in her role as sigrid
but rejected - ok - all manner of significance there
the end - bravo - juliette binoche has done it again
the film itself full of actual and implied relationships
but so well acted and directed to make it quite absorbing
picked up all sorts of awards too including for kristen stewart
which kind of makes the film bleed over into reality - like that...

cemetery of splendour

the great thing about film festivals is the diversity on offer
the opportunity to take a risk on a film not likely to see otherwise
this one fits the bill - a film from thailand with narcolepsy a theme
sleeping sickness - the tendency to fall asleep in relaxed surroundings
the program suggesting the film itself is so gentle that could happen
so for me - it's strong black coffee at hand as i settle in for 2 hours
as the credits roll on a black background machinery can be heard
the opening scene showing diggers at work with soldiers watching
an army truck backs up presumably to be loaded up with excavations
that would be the the ancient cemetery standing in the way of progress
from inside a neighbouring building we see young men lying on beds
a middle-aged woman with a distinctive limp then enters the room
jenjira is greeted as an old friend and workmate of the senior nurse
their conversation used to explain the men have sleeping sickness
(with later reading revealing they were workers on the excavation)
the tone of the film is established - slow and gentle with little dialogue
long and wide camera shots and minimal camera or character movement
a young lady - keng - comes to visit the patients and befriends jenjira
keng says she has the powers of a medium she uses to contact patients
we watch and wait as the 2 ladies sit alongside men laying still on beds
not much talking, not much action, not much anything but very serene
a sense of calm and relaxation moving from the screen to the audience
me - very happy to slump back in my seat and let it all wash over me
the 2 friends move around the confines of the make-shift hospital
they are seen praying and talking at a typical (tacky) prayer station
jenjira talks about her american husband whom she recently married
keng talks about the 2 princesses seen as statues in front of them
(later reading also revealing the excavation is of an ancient temple)
and soon after 2 attractive women join the pair in conversation
a suggestion that they are the princesses now in modern clothing
and with that the film moves into a surreal and quite mystical mode
at times not knowing whether we are seeing reality or some illusion
reality presents itself as bright coloured neon tubes next to each bed
this to assist in rousing the soldiers with the room oddly illuminated
and arousal happens - the ladies giggling at one soldier's erection
the mystical is presented as keng guides jenjira around the temple
they conversing as though they are present many centuries earlier
in an outdoor setting the friends talk more about modern issues
jenjira a victim of polio and struggling with pain in her legs
keng then providing a massage of limbs clearly disfigured
as the scenes roll by i find myself quite becalmed by it all
there's no such thing as a 'narrative arc' with this film
but the biggest surprise for me - the ending - it just stops
ok with that but i'd be surprised if 2 hours have elapsed
a check of the watch confirms that - did i fall asleep - no?
and recalling a warning that this film can totally absorb
i'm going with that - so happy to have given the time...

enchanted kingdom 3d

it's hard to resist a good quality 3d film on a big screen
this one delivering on all 3 counts so an easy decision
saturday morning in a large cinema and the kids are in
a few big kids too apart from many dads doing duties
the film itself the latest from a well established team
responsible for the bbc dinosaur and earth tv series
it opens in a busy city - london i think - rain and sun
children happily frolicking and the narrator starts up
telling us nature is everywhere - all around us - always
the voice a little bit preach-y but more likely kid-friendly
idris alba the man doing the duties - the wire and mandela
i'm trying not to think of david attenborough but well - damn
the adventure proper begins in the enchanted kingdom of africa
the base of a lush rainforest and the camera is in macro mode
ants - literally millions of them scurrying across the forest floor
the detail is incredible with nature stunningly enhanced in 3d
kids - what kids - this is clearly going to be a film for all
we then move on to be with a family of razorback gorillas
spending enough time there to appreciate their idyllic lives
they play, they mate and all the food they need is at hand
how the camera crew ever got so embedded is a mystery
especially with the large male watching over all the others
and the baby ones cavorting and teasing each other - cute!
could spend a whole film in the midst of all this - moving on
we stop off at a lake of water so salty there is no life supported
except for a tiny plankton type creature sought after by one bird
the flamingo - swarms of them with beaks in the water sucking up
and the more they eat the pinker they get - and then - mating begins
strange dances seen as each bird selects a life mate to continue the cycle
we then plunge into the deep ocean offshore and hang with lion-fish
beautiful colours seen in this other world with no end of wonder
moray eels, turtles, huge schools of fish and sunlight on coral
'ride the penetrating sunlight up to the heavens' implores alba
a sort of tacky way of transitioning to the top of mount kenya
but a minor quibble in this otherwise totally absorbing film
up there we cavort with a herd of mountain-top primates
exposed peaks with the coldest of nights and hottest of days
in the kalahari desert macro photography is once again in use
each grain of sand and rare living creatures shown in full detail
a tiny lizard takes centre stage as it dances to keep it's feet cool
a close-up of a submerged python using it's tail to entice a victim
water then a focus of the film with a herd of elephants in search
cute baby elephants drawing audible approval from the audience
but not to get too cosy we then see the migrating wilderbeests
a river crossing and the familiar danger of lurking crocodiles
seen before but not as here in stunning 3d at such close proximity
a moment to reflect on the sure danger of the cameramen's work
harrowing scenes of huge crocodiles taking down wilderbeests
done in such a way to again demonstrate the balance of nature
and before long we are full circle back on the rainy city street
the children playing in the rain and idris alba wrapping up
reminding us of the target audience for this wonder-film
though us big kids totally amazed by this nature spectacle
very happy to have indulged in this special nziff showing

ex machina

been looking forward to some science fiction at nziff 2015
though actually this film not too far removed from current reality
as in it features a robot with advanced ai interacting with humans
but before that the scene is set - a young man is in a busy office
an email arrives - eureka - he has won the prize - workmates gather
he is ushered to a waiting black jet helicopter and is whisked away
deposited in a field and told to follow the river - you can't miss it
before long he comes across a luxury home overlooking the river
passes the advanced security system and is then inside the house
stunning - lots of glass and steel and views of the river and bush
on the deck a bearded man is working out - introductions are made
he - nathan - developer of a search engine with 94% global penetration
his guest - caleb - one of his employees and selected to win the prize
nathan admitting caleb's skills, personality and background perfect
his mission is to perform the turing test on a newly developed robot
that test to see if it exhibits behaviour indistinguishable to a human
i'm excited - the scene is set for what should be a fascinating film
'ava encounter number 1' is then announced in text on the screen
caleb in a room and an attractive young female is asking his name
he replies and asks her - ava - and natural sounding banter follows
ava the robot is a fine figure of a female - but with opaque limbs
and here we are asked to stretch our imaginations quite a lot
we know there's an actor and cgi combining as ava the robot
caleb meanwhile is conscious of doing his job - the turing test
his first impressions are - wow - but not us - she is a human
thinking - i look forward to a film with an actual ai machine
and - maybe this is not going to be as good as promised
more so as the attempts to provide authenticity fall flat
in a workshop we see odd shaped objects on bench tops
nathan picks up a piece of opaque plastic and says it's a brain
very average props actually and no sign of any high-tech stuff
even the dialogue does nothing to convince that nathan is a genius
and also - he is constantly downing beer, vodka, whiskey or wine
he has a japanese woman waiting on him - hmmm - or a robot?
strange things happen at night - power cuts and cctv voyeurism
the sessions continue with caleb who of course falls for her
she announcing her dream to stand on a city street corner
having never seen the outside world - will you help me caleb?
nathan is watching every interaction and warns of her motives
want to fuck her? you can - there are sensors in the right places
and advising she will be turned off and updated soon enough
so far - concept - great - delivery - na - interest level - waning
and the big climax - caleb has hacked into the security system
allowing ava to escape but she turns on both caleb and nathan
the maker is stabbed to death and caleb is locked in a room
she (it) walks out to freedom, blue sky, and well who knows
so in the end - yep - the turing test has been passed convincingly
kind of liked the ending - a good twist - kind of liked it all really
though the concept delivered like a late model dr who episode
not a bad thing - just short of a fully impressive sci-fi flick...

lambert and stamp

yes well never was a big fan of the who except for one song
magic bus - live at leeds - guitars and amps ramped up to the max
but nothing beats a good bio-pic - more so music related so it's on
there's a white-haired chap on screen talking about the 1960's
bright shirt and tie, sounding very english  - chris stamp it is
half of the subject of the film and talking about the other half
kit lambert spoken of in the past tense so he obviously deceased
and a bit of a surprise - actor terence stamp also says a few words
brother of chris and a sense of his presence adding some credibility
admittedly 'lambert and stamp' is a partnership i had not heard of
and a suspicion this film more about hype than history but let's see
some screen time spent explaining how the partnership came about
kit lambert the son of a famous classical composer and conductor
but wanting to make his own mark on the world as a film director
footage shown of him on a risky adventure on the amazon river
the death of one of his companions leads to kit hitting the news
soon after a chance encounter with film fan chris stamp in a pub
a decision on that day for them to work together on a feature film
and the subject already determined - the making of a rock group
so next - let's find a suitable band already formed and available
the high numbers are spotted and seem to have the components
a small but loyal following, skill and most imporantly - presence
they also ambitious though naive so agree to the duo as managers
naivety all around really with no-one with any prior experience
first - change of name - the band now the who maximum r&b
but too much of a mouthful and abbreviated to simply the who
pete townshend now seen talking fondly about the good old days
and with that an obvious respect for his bandmates and managers
particularly with the duo funding the band for their formative years
and kit lambert housing pete townshend in his luxury earls court home
success eventually with hit songs for the who and with that cash flow
lambert and stamp then confidently moving on to start a record label
track records - the first independent label not associated with a major
and the hits keep coming - arthur brown, hendrix, thunderclap newman
the lads have hit the big time - there's even a track records helicopter
but no sign of the film as originally intended - and an unhappy band
pete townshend in particular voicing his feelings of abandonment
but still musically motivated enough to produce the tommy opera
a huge commercial step up for the who despite management issues
kit lambert has relocated to vienna where he was conceived he thinks
some interesting footage of that city at that time - then off to the usa
he is drawn to hollywood and all that goes with it - hard drugs mainly
keith moon also relocated there and some time spent on his untimely death
the film now concentrating on the price of fame and fortune for them all
roger daltry also popping up in a few interviews with pete townshend
he surprisingly low-key and townshend cutting him lots of slack
all kind of interesting but i'm thinking it's all a beat-up really
lambert and stamp - they are not exactly a household name
riding on the coattails of success of the band they pushed
this film of more interest about the band than them
maybe that is the point - milk it for all it's worth
still - glad to have seen it to plug a few gaps...

black souls

another italian film highlighting life in and around the underworld
last week's opening night film set in sicily and the hold of the mafia
this film set in northern italy and based around the area of calabria
not in the opening scenes though - 2 men in black waiting on a pier
a powered inflatable approaches, they embark and it heads away
it travels across a busy harbour and pulls up to a luxury stinkboat
the lads are ushered inside and are engaged in a brisk discussion
a large drug deal it seems - delivery point and payment is arranged
next we see the lads driving away from amsterdam with one other
bespectacled rocco is at the wheel of a late model  black merc
his brother luigi - one of the deal negotiators - sits alongside him
despite rocco's protestations he convinces him to stop at a farm
luigi and the other negotiator get out of the car with weapons out
a hit seems likely and yes - but not humans - a goat is the target
bundled into the boot and they speed off through the countryside
we then see a teenager in a small wreck of a fiat with a friend
pulls into an abandoned barn and inside finds some hidden guns
they head off to a cafe and from the outside the place is razed
he arrives home to the questioning of his goat-herder father
we learn that luciano (father of leo) is rocco and luigi's brother
he having left behind his gangster brothers for a quiet rural life
and now concerned his son is drawn to their way of life over his
more so as leo soon announces he is going to join his uncles in milan
it's good to see milan central railway station as he dismounts a train
met by his doting uncle luigi and taken in his luxury audi to his home
but things are not good with luciano - the shot-up cafe not a good target
owned by the rival gang in town and luciano threatened by the boss man
deal with it or there will be consequences - his quiet life now at threat
i'm liking this film - very subdued colours to match the mood of it all
and a human element to it all with immediate and extended families
elder brother luciano invites his two brothers and families to visit
luigi visits the rival gang and offers up a stash of bags of cocaine
a modern-day olive branch - and invites them all to luciano's place
he plucks a goat from luciano's herd to be butchered for a large lunch
it's all a bit tense during the meal with luciano offended at their presence
the rivals not happy either - soon after luigi is shot multiple times in his car
no-one claiming responsibility but it's a known - and even an acceptance
the rivals send flowers for the funeral but young leo is livid with rage
despite his father's protestations he decides to avenge his uncle's death
armed with a powerful rifle he waits for his moment in an empty house
but the rivals are on to him and he instead is gunned down mercilessly
as his father is at his own brother's funeral he senses the situation
and when told of the death he breaks down and is inconsolable
poor man - he seems quite decent but born to the wrong family
the climax now ushered in with our interest now fully piqued
luciano has had it and with the loss of his son is over it all
shoots his remaining brother rocco and several of his gang
luciano's wife seen begging him to drop the gun but no
we sense suicide - instead we see goats on a beach
being herded by a young bearded man - luciano?
an out-of-body experience is suggested - meaning...
yes - very much enjoyed this very good italian film...

meru

mountaineering is a bit of a mini-theme at nziff this year
last night - sherpa - set on mount everest and quite political
not so much about the mountain or the fequent conquering of it
but more on the changing attitude to and of the essesntial sherpa
however this film seems to offer more focus on the actual sport
the main man - conrad anker seen at home in the united states
(and me slightly disappointed - oh no - another american hero)
interviews with him and his wife talking about the love of climbing
jimmy chin also introduced - born in america to chinese immigrants
they having fled mao's china to offer their two kids a better future
renan ozturk is shown like a spiderman on crazy-angled peaks
the 3 of them planning an ascent of previously unconquered meru
time taken in the film to describe the near impossibility of the climb
this is as pure mountain-climbing on a virgin peak with no guides
many have attempted the climb and many have died as a result
the peak of the mountain atop a straight up 1500 foot rock wall
the climbers seen talking reverentially about the skills needed here
snow, ice, rock and angles requiring the climbers to be total experts
they must also carry all equipment,clothing, tents and 7 days food
jimmy chin and renan ozturk are also professional film makers
so they also are carrying slr cameras and helmet-fixed film cameras
even before they start i am in awe of what they have committed to
more so as they head up and show the construction of their bedding
a tent strung vertically off a cliff with the 3 of them huddled inside
a raging blizzard outside but inside it's all happiness and humour
the close proximity of the cameras making us feel part of the gang
more so as we ascend with the climbers and look on in total awe
below - a sheer drop - above - an endless wall of ice and rock
we get within a few hundred feet of the peak late one afternoon
but lack of food, weather, exhaustion, and frostbite are factors
the brave decision is made to abandon the climb and descend
and with it part 2 of the film kicks in as the 3 climbers disperse
renan ozturk has a serious skiing accident and fractures his skull
cracked vertebrae also and life-threatening brain surgery required
jimmy chin gets caught up but miraculously survives an avalanche
psychologically damaging though and he abandons mountain-climbing
conrad anker has his own demons with the death of climbing buddies
in particular alex lowe also killed in an avalanche many years prior
the two of them regarded as the best climbing team in the world
alex a mentor to conrad and conrad now husband to alex's wife
and father to alex's 3 children - this shown with all due respect
meru nags away at conrad and he decides to have another crack
jimmy is up for it and surprisingly renan demands he be part of it
this 5 months after his near-death experience and long recovery
and so before long we are back on the mountain with our 3 friends
weather is against them and many days lost sitting it out in their tent
but so impressively they push, and push, and push with little food
brain-injured renan is seen with symptoms of frostbite and stroke
absolutely spine-chilling scenes especially when jimmy hits the top
the presence of mind to film the occasion as they all reach the peak
totally exhilarating - what a film - i'm feeling completely redeemed
nothing but total respect for the climbers we now know so well
eddie vedder's the wolf heard in the film and now in my head
happy - that tune from the eqaully amazing film into the wild
sherpa - good - meru - mind-blowing - unbeatable i suspect...

rams

i suspect this film was selected for it's known elements
a rural tale of 2 farmers protecting their flocks in winter
it could of course easily be set in nz but not so - iceland
which adds to the appeal as that country does need a visit
an elderly farmer seen checking the fencing on his property
spots a dead sheep over the fence and tentatively climbs over
examines it and then picks up the large distressed lamb next to it
opens a door of a house, drops the lamb, closes the door and walks off
a man emerges and is pointed to the dead sheep with no words exchanged
we then see the same 2 men facing off in a competition for best sheep
each watching as their prize animal is thoroughly inspected by the judge
in the ceremony gummi (the rescuer) places second to kiddi (the rescuee)
brothers but no talk-ee and revealed it has been 40 years since speaking
gummi has a concern and does a secretive inspection of kiddi's ram
and then in conversation with the local lady vet he suggests scrapie
a fearful and contagious virus that attacks sheeps brains and spine
brother kiddi seen in a rage when he finds out what has happened
screaming that gummi is simply jealous at missing out on the prize
but the virus is confirmed and all the farmers now face a mass cull
it's all quite interesting and the brother's story also seems plausible
a tale of men's stubbornness left unchecked without female intervention
and a clear parallel with the film's title representing man and/or animal
but mostly the film is about the 2 brothers and their clear differences
kiddi hits the bottle and refuses to accept his flock need to be killed
gummi is ordered, accepts the decision and does the deed himself
this despite the authorities doing the rounds to cull all the sheep
but there's an ulterior motive - a few ewes and rams are spared
gummi has them in the basement and tends to them in secret
so the suspense is ramped up with this bit of skullduggery
part of the fumigation process requires destroying sheds, etc
one official seen sitting on gummi's toilet and hearing a noise
cats gummi explains with a rare bit of humour in this bleak film
kiddi  hits the bottle again and in turn abuse his younger brother
then promptly passes out in the snow requiring a bit of sympathy
gummi using a front-end loader to deposit him outside the hospital
all kind of fun really mixed in with the bleakness of the film's setting
wondering how this going to pan out but reconciliation is suspected
finally gummi is busted with an official charging off to get assistance
he in turn knocking on his brother's door to arrange a hiding place
kiddi more than happy - the flock is the last of a special breed
so the love of the animals overrides brotherly rivalry (ooh-aah)
between them they decide to hide the sheep in the mountains
a flock, a sheep-dog and 2 old men on a quad-bike head off
a blizzard sets in, the bike breaks down, the men are separated
kiddi desparately looking for his bro finds him unconscious
he digs a snow cave, strips their clothing and embraces him
the final scene sees him in tears willing gummi to wake up
yikes - a big turnaround from a few scenes back - but ok
kind of heart-warming really and a lot to like about this film
all sorts of messages about families, simple lives, animals, etc
but mostly it's a good old yarn requiring little effort to follow
fine with me - and good to make a return trip to iceland...